| Author | Lauren Pecorino |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year | 2016 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 375 |
| Size | 19.53 MB |
| Extension |
Summary
Molecular Biology of Cancer: Mechanisms, Targets, and Therapeutics by Lauren Pecorino offers an engaging and accessible account of cancer biology for undergraduate and graduate students. Published by Oxford University Press in 2016, this fourth edition presents a fresh approach to understanding the molecular basis of cancer and its translation into therapeutic strategies[reference:0][reference:1].
The book uses the hallmarks of cancer as a foundation to describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells[reference:2]. It begins with an introduction to the disease, covering what cancer is, the evidence that it is a disease of the genome, influential factors in carcinogenesis, and the principles of conventional cancer therapies[reference:3][reference:4]. The subsequent chapters are organized to first discuss the cell and molecular biology of a specific hallmark of cancer, and then to explore the therapeutic strategies derived from that knowledge[reference:5].
Key topics covered include the cancer genome, regulation of gene expression, growth factor signaling and oncogenes, the cell cycle, tumor suppressor genes, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, tumor immunology and immunotherapy, infectious agents and inflammation, and the development of new technologies and drugs[reference:6][reference:7]. This edition features separate chapters for metastasis, angiogenesis, immunology and immunotherapy, infectious agents and inflammation, and technology and diagnostics development[reference:8]. It also includes new topics such as immune checkpoints, CRISPR-Cas9, mutational signatures, the role of obesity in cancer, non-coding RNAs, and exosomes in intercellular communication[reference:9].
A distinctive feature of the book is its integration of basic science with clinical application. Each chapter links molecular targets to therapeutic strategies, with a target symbol used in the margin to highlight the connection[reference:10]. The book is richly illustrated with full-color diagrams and figures created by Joseph Pecorino, which are designed to enhance learning[reference:11][reference:12]. The text also includes learning features such as 'Pause and think', 'How do we know that?', and 'In the clinic' boxes, which help students engage with the material and understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice[reference:13][reference:14].
Written with the undergraduate student in mind, the book focuses on how our understanding of defective mechanisms driving cancer is leading to the development of new targeted therapeutic agents[reference:15]. It is also a valuable resource for graduate students, medical students, and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry[reference:16]. The optimistic tone and clear presentation make it an ideal textbook for courses in cancer biology and a useful reference for anyone seeking a comprehensive overview of the molecular biology of cancer.
Key Features
- Engaging and accessible account of cancer biology for undergraduate and graduate students[reference:17].
- Uses the hallmarks of cancer as a framework to explain cellular and molecular mechanisms[reference:18].
- Integrates basic science with therapeutic strategies, linking molecular targets to drug development[reference:19].
- Full-color illustrations and diagrams by Joseph Pecorino to aid understanding[reference:20].
- Includes new chapters on metastasis, angiogenesis, immunology and immunotherapy, infectious agents and inflammation, and technology and diagnostics development[reference:21].
- Covers emerging topics such as CRISPR-Cas9, immune checkpoints, non-coding RNAs, exosomes, and mutational signatures[reference:22].
- Features learning tools like 'Pause and think', 'How do we know that?', and 'In the clinic' boxes[reference:23][reference:24].
- Describes the theoretical basis of cancer biology and its application to new therapies[reference:25].
- Draws on the latest research and includes primary data from the literature[reference:26][reference:27].
- Written by a leading educator and researcher in cancer biology[reference:28].
- Includes a glossary and extensive references for further study[reference:29].
- Also available as an enhanced e-book with multimedia content[reference:30].
About Author
Professor Lauren Pecorino is Emeritus Professor in Cancer Biology at the University of Greenwich, UK[reference:31]. She obtained her PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA[reference:32]. She then moved to London for a post-doctoral position at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, where she studied limb regeneration using biolistics—a technique involving a 'gene gun' to introduce genes into the regenerating limbs of live newts[reference:33][reference:34]. 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:35]. 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:36]. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, the Royal Society of Biology, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy[reference:37].
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 created by Joseph Pecorino, which are designed to enhance learning and understanding of molecular pathways.
Q: Are there any new topics in the fourth edition?
A: Yes, the fourth edition includes new chapters on metastasis, angiogenesis, immunology and immunotherapy, infectious agents and inflammation, and technology and diagnostics development. It also covers new topics such as CRISPR-Cas9, immune checkpoints, and non-coding RNAs.
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