Advances in molecular biology over the last several decades are being steadily applied to our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer, and these advances in knowledge are being translated into the clinical practice of oncology. This volume explores some of the most exciting recent advances in basic research on the molecular biology of cancer and how this knowledge is leading to advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. - This series provides a forum for discussion of new discoveries, approaches, and ideas - Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts - Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

This title includes the following features: Great breadth of coverage inone volume: covers all aspects of cancer, in a concise and affordable format;Provides a comprehensive introduction to the initiation, development, andtreatment of cancer; Chapter are written by experts in each field, giving astate-of-the-art summary of each topic; Extensive references provide links toall the relevant literature, facilitating further study

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.

Translating Gene Therapy to the Clinic, edited by Dr. Jeffrey Laurence and Michael Franklin, follows the recent, much-lauded special issue of Translational Research in emphasizing clinical milestones and critical barriers to further progress in the clinic. This comprehensive text provides a background for understanding the techniques involved in human gene therapy trials, and expands upon the disease-specific situations in which these new approaches currently have the greatest therapeutic application or potential, and those areas most in need of future research. It emphasizes methods, tools, and experimental approaches used by leaders in the field of translational gene therapy. The book promotes cross-disciplinary communication between the sub-specialties of medicine, and remains unified in theme. - Presents impactful and widely supported research across the spectrum of science, method, implementation and clinical application - Offers disease-based coverage from expert clinician-scientists, covering everything from arthritis to congestive heart failure, as it details specific progress and barriers for current translational use - Provides key background information from immune response through genome engineering and gene transfer, relevant information for practicing clinicians contemplating enrolling patients in gene therapy trials

An overview of the current systems biology-based knowledge and the experimental approaches for deciphering the biological basis of cancer.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.