The Molecular Biology of Cancer, Stella Pelengaris& Michael Khan
This capturing, comprehensive text, extensively revisedand updated for its second edition, provides a detailed overview ofthe molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer andits treatment.
“Bench to Bedside”: A key strength of thisbook that sets it apart from general cancer biology references isthe interweaving of all aspects of cancer biology from the causes,development and diagnosis through to the treatment and care ofcancer patients – essential for providing a broader view ofcancer and its impact.
The highly readable presentation of a complex field,written by an international panel of researchers, specialists andpractitioners, would provide an excellent text for graduate andundergraduate courses in the biology of cancer, medical studentsand qualified practitioners in the field preparing for higherexams, and for researchers and teachers in the field.
For the teaching of cancer biology, special features havebeen included to facilitate this use: bullet points at thebeginning of each chapter explaining key concepts and controversialareas; each chapter builds on concepts learned in previouschapters, with a list of key outstanding questions remaining in thefield, suggestions for further reading, and questions for studentreview. All chapters contain text boxes that provide additional andrelevant information.
Key highlights are listed below:
- An overview of the cancer cell and important newconcepts.
- Selected human cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate,renal, skin, cervix, and hematological malignancies.
- Key cellular processes in cancer biology including (a)traditionally important areas such as cell cycle control, growthregulation, oncogenes and tumour suppressors apoptosis, as well as(b) more highly topical areas of apoptosis, telomeres, DNA damageand repair, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, immunity, epigenetics, andthe proteasome.
- Clinical oncology: In-depth coverage of important concepts suchas screening, risk of cancer and prevention, diagnoses, managingcancer patients from start to palliative care and end-of-lifepathways.
- Chapters highlighting the direct links between cancer researchand clinical applications.
- New coverage on how cancer drugs are actually used inspecific cancer patients, and how therapies are developed andtested.
- Systems Biology and cutting edge research areas covered such asRNA interference (RNAi).
- Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, textboxes, and topical references for added comprehension andreview.
- Quotations have been used in each chapter to introduce basicconcepts in an entertaining way.
- Supported by a dedicated website at
We should list the great reviews we got for first editionwhich are on the back of the 2nd edition:
“A capturing, comprehensive, clearly written andabsolutely accurate introduction into cancer biology…..Thisbook deserves great praise for the readable presentation of thiscomplex field….the true synthesis of bench and bedsideapproaches is marvelously achieved.” Christian Schmidt,Molecular Cell
“Chapters address the issues of cancer diagnosis,treatment, and patient care and set the book apart from generalmolecular biology references….This book is applicable to bothgraduate and undergraduate students, and in the context of aresearch laboratory, this book would be an excellent resource as areference guide for scientists at all levels.” V.Emuss,Institute of Cancer Research, London.
Also, from the first edition:
“Pelengaris, Khan, and the contributing authors are to beapplauded. The Molecular Biology of Cancer is acomprehensive and readable presentation of the many faces of cancerfrom molecular mechanisms to clinical therapies and diagnostics.This book will be welcomed by neophyte students, establishedscientists in other fields, and curious physicians.” -DeanFelsher, Stanford University