Prominent investigators and clinicians summarize in a balanced blend of fundamental science, basic research, experimental therapeutics, and early clinical experiences, what is known about oncogenes and oncogenesis, and describe how that knowledge can be used to treat the cancer. The contributors explain how, why, and under what conditions certain proteins acquire the ability to transform eukaryotic cells, and detail the crucial biological consequences of this oncogenic transformation, particularly for cellular mitogenesis, survival, differentiation, migration, proteolysis, or angiogenic competence. Their articles thoroughly explicate the premises, principles, techniques, and approaches to oncogene targeting in various types of human cancer by using signal transduction inhibitors, immunological targeting methods, and antisense gene therapy. In recent years an entirely new category of anticancer agents has entered the clinic. This class of drugs, the frontrunners of which are Herceptin and Gleevec, are no longer a product of the intuitive and largely empirical explorations that brought about traditional anticancer treatments like chemotherapy. Rather, these new agents have emerged directly from molecular analysis of various cancer-causing genes (oncogenes). In Oncogene-Directed Therapies, prominent investigators and clinicians, several of them pioneers in the field, summarize what is known about oncogenes and oncogenesis-in a balanced blend of fundamental science, basic research, experimental therapeutics, and early clinical experience-and describe how that knowledge can be used to treat the disease. The contributors explain how, why, and under what conditions certain proteins acquire the ability to transform eukaryotic cells, and detail the crucial biological consequences of this oncogenic transformation, particularly for cellular mitogenesis, survival, differentiation, migration, proteolysis, or angiogenic competence. Their articles thoroughly explicate the premises, principles, techniques, and approaches to oncogene targeting in various types of human cancer by using signal transduction inhibitors, immunological targeting methods, and antisense gene therapy. Also included is a review of the results of preclinical and clinical testing of some of today's most advanced therapeutic agents.
Unique in perspective and comprehensive in its coverage, Oncogene-Directed Therapies not only integrates for all those engaged in-or simply interested in the cutting-edge of-"the war on cancer" the many remarkable recent achievements in our molecular understanding and treatment of these diseases, but also clarifies what directions future research might optimally take, as well as what significant accomplishments might lie ahead. "The book is well referenced, and readers will easily be able to locate primary literature for in-depth reading on specific topics. The figures and illustrations are extremely useful in summarizing complex topics that are discussed. In summary, this is an unique, well-organized, and timely presentation on a topic of high importance. People who will find this volume especially useful include students of tumor biology, basic scientists with an interest in novel therapeutic or translational research, and all clinicians who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer." - Neuro-oncology

"This book attempts to cover a vast and rapidly evolving field of research, both basic and clinical, and does so successfully by giving the reader a balanced mix of basic science, experimental therapeutics and clinical observations. Most chapters are richly illustrated and all have extensive lists of relevant references." - Medical Oncology

"...this book will be useful not only to those just starting their research careers, including graduate and medical students, but also to those who have been involved in the field of cancer biology and treatment for a number of years, including seasoned scientists and clinicians." -Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal