The Molecular Basis of Cancer

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-vii

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2. The Clinical Problem

   • M. D. Vincent

   Pages 1-35

3. The Cell-Surface Membrane in Malignancy

   • J. T. Gallagher

   Pages 37-69

4. Radiation Carcinogenesis

   • J. E. Coggle

   Pages 71-97

5. Viruses and Cancer

   • G. Peters

   Pages 99-131

6. Chemical Carcinogenesis

   • D. H. Phillips

   Pages 133-179

7. Testing for Carcinogens

   • J. M. Walker

   Pages 181-200

8. Molecular Approaches to Diagnosis of Cancer

   • P. Thomas

   Pages 201-216

9. Hormones and Cancer

   • M. G. Rowlands

   Pages 217-235

10. Radiation Therapy

    • P. Workman

    Pages 237-258

11. Cancer Chemotherapy I: Design and Mechanism of Action of Cytotoxic Drugs

    • P. B. Farmer

    Pages 259-285

12. Cancer Chemotherapy II: Laboratory to Clinic

    • G. Powis

    Pages 287-324

13. Back Matter

    Pages 325-349

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This book aims to describe the current state of knowledge and possible future developments in a number of major areas of research into the nature, causes and treatment of cancer. The contributing authors have been encouraged to discuss their subjects at the molecular level. It will become apparent to the reader that considerable developments in the understanding of the fundamental nature of cancer, in molecular terms, are constantly being made. This is particularly the case in the area of oncogene research where differences between tumour and normal cells can now be defined in terms of altered expression of DNA sequences. An understanding of the methods available for detecting cancer, of the process of carcinogenesis and of the means available for treating cancer can only be achieved with a precise knowledge of the basic biochemical and molecular processes involved. Since it is all to easy for the research scientist to become totally absorbed within the specialised area of research in which he is involved, the first chapter is an attempt to encourage a broader field of vision by introducing the clinician's view of the cancer problem, which illustrates the broad spectrum of basic problems that need to be solved by the cancer researcher.

• DNA
• cancer
• cancer research
• carcinogenesis
• chemotherapy
• hormones
• oncogene
• radiation therapy
• tumor

• MRC Toxicology Unit, MRC Laboratories, Carshalton, Surrey, UK

  Peter B. Farmer

• Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, The Hatfield Polytechnic, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK

  John M. Walker

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