United States
£ GBP
Cells in our body undergo tightly regulated replication to enable growth to occur in a precise, and to ensure that damaged or worn out tissues are replaced. Regulation is mediated via many different mechanisms; it is when these mechanisms fail, and regulation is lost, that cancer can result. Recent advances in molecular cell biology have greatly expanded our understanding of the processes and mechanisms which underpin the regulation of cell replication, and what is happening at the molecular level when these fail. The third edition of "The Molecular Biology of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics" offers a fresh approach to the study of the molecular basis of cancer, by showing how our understanding of the defective mechanisms which drive cancer is leading to the development of new targeted therapeutic agents. Opening with an overview of the key hallmarks of cancer as a disease state, the book then leads us through the principal processes that become altered in cancer cells, and explains how the failure of these processes can lead to the onset of cancer. Uniquely, within each chapter, students are shown how this molecular knowledge is being applied to develop new targeted therapeutic strategies. Written with the student learner in mind, the book features a variety of learning features to help students engage with, and master, the concepts presented. The emphasis is not on exhaustive coverage of the field, but on acquiring a solid understanding of the essentials of the subject--and an appreciation of how a theoretical understanding can be transformed into therapeutic benefit. "The Molecular Biology of Cancer" is an invaluable resource for any student wishing to gain an insight into the molecular basis of the disease, and possible solutions for its effective control.
1: Introduction
2: DNA and stability: mutations versus repair
3: Regulation of gene expression
4: Growth factor signaling and oncogenes
5: The cell cycle
6: Growth inhibition and tumour suppressor genes
7: Apoptosis
8: Stem cells and differentiation
9: Metastasis
10: Infections and inflammation
11: Nutrients, hormones, and gene interactions
12: The cancer industry: drug development and clinical trial design
13: Cancer in the future: focus on diagnostics and immunotherapy
Reviews from the previous edition:
"The author's infectious enthusiasm as a teacher comes across on every page of this beautifully illustrated book. To guide her readers through this increasingly complex field, she introduces some novel features, including 'Special interest' boxes, sections labelled, 'Pause to think', well-designed chapter highlights and aids to 'Memory refreshment'. Given the speed of development of this field, the book is remarkably up to date."
- Sir David Weatherall, Emeritus Regius Professor of Medicine, Oxford University in THES Textbook Guide - February 2006
"Pecorino gets the balance right between cell and molecular biology, focusing on mechanism rather than disease. Importantly the students like the text and can afford to buy the book. Therefore it is a real support to our learning program and actually used by the students."
- Dr Bernard Mahon, Biology Department/Institute of Immunology, National University of Ireland, Ireland
"The textbook is clearly written and the author does a great job of introducing some of the more fundamental concepts. The book is organized well and the topics flow smoothly and logically. The book also nicely pulls in current therapeutic approaches with the molecular lesions that are responsible for the generation of cancer."
- Professor Deobrah Vestal, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, USA.
"I found this book very very helpful in understanding this otherwise very difficult subject. I think this is the only book which has been written for the learners. The writing style, illustrations and the unique features like 'pause and think' are unprecendented and very helpful. Lauren Pecorino must be a very good teacher."
- Dr Waqqar Ali, Registrar Radiation Oncology, Cork University Hospital
