| Author | Lauren Pecorino |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 342 |
| Size | 2.95 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
Molecular Biology of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics by Lauren Pecorino offers a fresh and accessible approach to understanding the molecular basis of cancer. Published by Oxford University Press in its third edition (2012), this textbook is designed for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals seeking a comprehensive overview of cancer biology.
The book is structured around the hallmarks of cancer, a framework that describes the key functional capabilities acquired by human cells as they progress to a neoplastic state. It begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of cancer as a disease of the genome, covering the evidence that cancer is driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. The text then systematically explores the principal processes that become dysregulated in cancer cells: growth factor signaling, cell cycle control, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and evasion of the immune system. Each chapter explains how the failure of these normal regulatory mechanisms can lead to the onset and progression of cancer.
A distinctive feature of this textbook is its integration of basic science with clinical application. Rather than presenting the molecular details in isolation, each chapter concludes with a discussion of how our understanding of the defective mechanisms can be harnessed to develop new targeted therapeutic agents. This approach helps students appreciate the translational potential of cancer research, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinic. The book covers a wide range of topics, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair, the role of infectious agents and inflammation, and the emerging field of cancer immunology.
Designed with the student in mind, the book incorporates various learning features to enhance engagement and comprehension. 'Pause and think' boxes encourage readers to reflect on key concepts, while 'How do we know that?' boxes explain the experimental evidence behind important discoveries. The text is richly illustrated with full-color diagrams that clarify complex molecular pathways. The companion website provides additional resources, including hyperlinks to primary literature, news feeds, and a test bank for instructors.
Molecular Biology of Cancer is an essential resource for students in cancer biology, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences. It is also a valuable reference for clinicians and researchers who wish to deepen their understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin cancer and its treatment. By focusing on the core concepts and their therapeutic implications, this book equips readers with the knowledge to appreciate both the challenges and the opportunities in the fight against cancer.
Key Features
- Accessible and engaging account of cancer biology for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Uses the hallmarks of cancer as a framework to explain cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Integrates basic science with therapeutic strategies, linking molecular targets to drug development.
- Full-color illustrations and diagrams to aid understanding of complex pathways.
- Covers key topics including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunology.
- Features learning tools such as 'Pause and think' and 'How do we know that?' boxes.
- Describes the theoretical basis of cancer biology and its application to new therapies.
- Draws on the latest research and includes primary data from the literature.
- Written by a leading educator and researcher in cancer biology.
- Includes a companion website with additional resources for students and instructors.
- Provides a clear link between molecular defects and targeted therapeutic approaches.
- Suitable for courses in cancer biology, molecular medicine, and related fields.
About Author
Professor Lauren Pecorino is Emeritus Professor in Cancer Biology at the University of Greenwich, UK. She obtained her PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA. She then moved to London for a post-doctoral position at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, where she studied limb regeneration using a technique called biolistics—employing a 'gene gun' to introduce genes into the regenerating limbs of live newts[reference:0]. Since 1996, she has been a member of academic staff at the University of Greenwich, where she developed her interest in teaching Cancer Biology[reference:1]. She is the author of the textbook Molecular Biology of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics, now in its fourth edition, published by Oxford University Press[reference:2]. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy[reference:3].
Related Books
- The Biology of Cancer by Robert A. Weinberg
- Cancer Biology by Roger J.B. King and Mike W. Robins
- Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts
- Biochemistry of Cancer by G.V. Sherbet
- Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology by Vincent T. DeVita Jr.
- Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine by Robert C. Bast Jr.
- Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors by Gordon Peters and Karen H. Vousden
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I learn by reading this book?
A: You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer, including the hallmarks of cancer, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and the development of targeted therapeutics.
Q: Is this book suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, it is written with the undergraduate student in mind and provides an accessible and engaging introduction to cancer biology. It also includes learning features to help students grasp complex concepts.
Q: Is this book recommended for professionals?
A: Yes, it is a valuable resource for graduate students, medical students, and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry who wish to understand the molecular basis of cancer and its therapeutic applications.
Q: What topics are covered in this book?
A: The book covers a wide range of topics, including the cancer genome, regulation of gene expression, growth factor signaling, the cell cycle, tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor immunology, infectious agents, and the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics.
Q: Why is this book useful for students and researchers?
A: It provides a clear link between theoretical knowledge and practical application, showing how our understanding of cancer biology is leading to the development of new drugs. It also includes up-to-date research and primary data from the literature.
Q: Does the book include illustrations?
A: Yes, the book is richly illustrated with full-color diagrams and figures designed to enhance learning and understanding of molecular pathways.
Q: Is there a companion website for this book?
A: Yes, the companion website (www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199577170) provides hyperlinks to primary literature, news feeds, and a test bank for instructors.
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