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.

The first three editions of this acclaimed book presented a much-needed conceptual synthesis of this rapidly moving field. Now, Cancer Cytogenetics, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive, expanded, and up-to-date review of recent dramatic advances in this area, incorporating a vast amount of new data from the latest basic and clinical investigations. New contributors reflecting broader international authorship and even greater expertise Greater emphasis throughout on the clinical importance and application of information about cytogenetic and molecular aberrations Includes a complete coverage of chromosome aberrations in cancer based on an assessment of the 60,000 neoplasms cytogenetically investigated to date Now produced in full color for enhanced clarity Covers how molecular genetic data (PCR-based and sequencing information) are collated with the cytogenetic data where pertinent Discusses how molecular cytogenetic data (based on studies using FISH, CGH, SNP, etc) are fused with karyotyping data to enable an as comprehensive understanding of cancer cytogenetics as is currently possible

Exploring the chromosomal imbalance (aneuploidy) theory of cancer, this volume describes how cancer is initiated and why progression takes years to decades. It clarifies why cancer cells often become drug resistant, provides objective, quantitative measures for detecting cancer and monitoring its progression, and suggests non-toxic strategies of ca

One of The Wall Street Journal’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the Year Philadelphia, 1959: A scientist scrutinizing a single human cell under a microscope detects a missing piece of DNA. That scientist, David Hungerford, had no way of knowing that he had stumbled upon the starting point of modern cancer research— the Philadelphia chromosome. It would take doctors and researchers around the world more than three decades to unravel the implications of this landmark discovery. In 1990, the Philadelphia chromosome was recognized as the sole cause of a deadly blood cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, or CML. Cancer research would never be the same. Science journalist Jessica Wapner reconstructs more than forty years of crucial breakthroughs, clearly explains the science behind them, and pays tribute—with extensive original reporting, including more than thirty-five interviews—to the dozens of researchers, doctors, and patients with a direct role in this inspirational story. Their curiosity and determination would ultimately lead to a lifesaving treatment unlike anything before it. The Philadelphia Chromosome chronicles the remarkable change of fortune for the more than 70,000 people worldwide who are diagnosed with CML each year. It is a celebration of a rare triumph in the battle against cancer and a blueprint for future research, as doctors and scientists race to uncover and treat the genetic roots of a wide range of cancers.

The Role of Chromosomes in Cancer Biology provides a description of the molecular organization and function of chromosomes and the consequences of chromosomal aberrations in human development. The book presents accounts on the structure and function of the chromosome; the cellular features of primary tumors and ascetic fluid; the cytological actions of radiation and drugs and their relevance to therapy. Developmental disorders caused by chromosomal anomalies; chromosome aneuploidy in human malignancies; and viral oncogenesis are discussed as well. The book will prove to be very insightful to those involved in cancer research, oncologists, cytologists, and molecular biologists.

The Causes and Consequences of Chromosomal Aberrations explores one of the most dramatic examples of genomic instability-chromosomal aberrations. It describes some of the more recent techniques used to map genes within the human genome, study chromosomal aberrations at the cellular level, and define the organization of the interphase nucleus. General overviews are provided to build a conceptual framework for understanding the generality and specificity of chromosomal aberrations. The Causes and Consequences of Chromosomal Aberrations also explores the role of recombinases and topoisomerases in the development of chromosomal aberrations. It contains studies of chromosomal aberrations, which offer separate instructive treatises on specific malignancies. The Causes and Consequences of Chromosomal Aberrations is useful to medical and graduate students, physicians, molecular biologists, and cytogeneticists. It will benefit anyone interested in the concepts, contributions, and development in the field of molecular cytogenetics.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

Genetic recombination is a process of combining genes that leads to the generation of cell variants that possess different characteristics. This process is important to the evolution of a species and to embryonic growth and differentiation. However, this process can also lead to the development of abnormal, cancerous cells. This book reviews the role of genetic recombination in the generation of various cancers and how genetic alterations have been or could be employed to elicit clinically useful information.* Provides detailed discussion of the genetic mechanisms that result in the generation of normal and abnormal cells* Examines the role of genetic recombination in cancer including cancer invasion and metastasis* Information is presented in a manner that is useful and accessible to everyone from graduate students to established cancer researchers

Telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomeres and endows eukaryotic cells with immortality, was first discovered in tetrahymena in 1985. In 1990s, it was proven that this enzyme also plays a key role in the infinite proliferation of human cancer cells. Now telomere and telomerase are widely accepted as important factors involved in cancer biology, and as promising diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. Recently, role of telomerase in “cancer stem cells” has become another attractive story. Until now, there are several good books on telomere and telomerase focusing on biology in ciliates, yeasts, and mouse or basic sciences in human, providing basic scientists or students with updated knowledge.