The Genetics of Cancer

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

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2. Breast cancer genetics

   • D. Eccles, R. Houlston

   Pages 1-19

3. The genetics of lung cancer

   • N. E. Caporaso

   Pages 21-43

4. Colorectal cancer

   • J. D. Potter, T. A. Sellers, S. S. Rich

   Pages 45-65

5. The genetics of prostate cancer

   • R. A. Eeles

   Pages 67-83

6. Lessons from developmental biology

   • E. T. Stuart, P. Gruss

   Pages 85-97

7. Animal models for the study of genetic susceptibility to cancer

   • M. N. Gould

   Pages 99-110

8. Animal models to look for polygenic effects in cancer predisposition

   • T. A. Dragani, M. A. Pierotti

   Pages 111-122

9. Human repair deficiencies and predisposition to cancer

   • M. Hall, P. G. Norris, R. T. Johnson

   Pages 123-157

10. Implications of studies of inherited predisposition for prevention and treatment

    • C. M. Steel

    Pages 159-175

11. Mutagenic properties of anticancer drugs

    • L. R. Ferguson

    Pages 177-216

12. Back Matter

    Pages 217-221

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It has been recognized for almost 200 years that certain families seem to inherit cancer. It is only in the past decade, however, that molecular genetics and epidemiology have combined to define the role of inheritance in cancer more clearly, and to identify some of the genes involved. The causative genes can be tracked through cancer-prone families via genetic linkage and positional cloning. Several of the genes discovered have subsequently been proved to play critical roles in normal growth and development. There are also implications for the families themselves in terms of genetic testing with its attendant dilemmas, if it is not clear that useful action will result.
The chapters in The Genetics of Cancer illustrate what has already been achieved and take a critical look at the future directions of this research and its potential clinical applications.

• biology
• development
• genes
• genetics
• molecular genetics
• mutagen
• prevention
• prostate cancer

• University of Cambridge, UK

  B. A. J. Ponder, M. J. Waring

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