Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer

The knowledge of molecular defects that lead to cancer is increasing rapidly. This has created a need for a textbook that conveys a comprehensive review of this topic. 'Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer', describes molecular processes whose deregulation is important in the formation of tumours. The material is developed from basic cell signalling pathways to their roles in the clinical manifestation of specific cancers. Topics covered include molecular events intrinsic to tumour cells (leading to growth deregulation, extended lifespan, and the ability to invade surrounding tissue), protective mechanisms that prevent transformation (including DNA repair and epigenetic regulation), tumour-host interactions (with the endocrine system, the immune system, and blood vessel formation), and the underlying molecular defects of individual cancers. This book is an essential resource for researchers, graduate students and oncologists. It will also aid in drug discovery by identifying molecular targets. The growing insight generated by research into molecular carcinogenesis and the absence of comparably comprehensive and systematic textbooks makes this publication important and timely.