The Genetics of Cancer

by M. J. Waring (Editor), B. A. Ponder, B. A.J. Ponder (Editor)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780792388869
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	11/28/1995
Series:	Cancer Biology and Medicine Series , #4
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	221
Product dimensions:	6.36(w) x 9.52(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Ponder, B. A. J. (Univ of Cambridge); Waring, M. J. (Univ of Cambridge)

The contributors represent the specialties of epidemiology, molecular and cellular biology, and zoology. Most come from academic medical centers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Italy. Institutions represented include Univ of Cambridge, National Cancer Institute, and Max Planck Institute.

Table of Contents

List of contributors. Preface. Breast cancer genetics; D. Eccles, R. Houlston. The genetics of lung cancer; N.E. Caporaso. Colorectal cancer; J.D. Potter, et al. The genetics of prostate cancer; R.A. Eeles. Lessons from developmental biology; E.T. Stuart, P. Gruss. Animal models for the study of genetic susceptibility to cancer; M.N. Gould. Animal models to look for polygenic effects in cancer predisposition; T.A. Dragani, M.A. Pierotti. Human repair deficiencies and predisposition to cancer; M. Hall, et al. Implications of studies of inherited predisposition for prevention and treatment; C.M. Steel. Mutagenic properties of anticancer drugs; L.R. Ferguson. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Scientists from the US, Europe, and New Zealand summarize the accomplishments to date in tracking down genes associated with cancer through cancer-prone families using genetic linkage and positional cloning. They also ponder the implications of someone knowing they are prone to cancer if there is nothing they can do about it. Among the topics are the genetics of several specific forms of cancer, lessons from developmental biology, animal models, human repair deficiencies, and mutagenic properties of anticancer drugs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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