DNA Alterations in Cancer: Genetic and Epigenetic Changes

From The Critics

Reviewer: Karen Kaul, MD, PhD(Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: This book is a comprehensive overview of the numerous and varied genetic alterations leading to development and progression of cancer. In this complicated and rapidly moving field, a volume such as this that is a compilation and synthesis of findings from basic research presented in an understandable fashion is tremendously useful.
Purpose: The full spectrum of molecular oncology is covered, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cancer predisposition, DNA repair, epigenetic alteration such as methylation, and an exciting section giving the reader a glimpse of the impact of translation research efforts on the treatment of cancer. This is a much needed and very timely undertaking; the completion of the human genome map and the information to be gained as a result will further increase the need and interest for this book.
Audience: This is not an entry-level volume. The editor assumes a basic understanding of DNA, genetics, cell biology, and cancer. This book is aimed at those involved in molecular carcinogenesis who want to broaden or deepen their knowledge. The potential audience would include basic or clinically oriented researchers at the graduate student level or above, and clinical practitioners who have a background in molecular oncology. This is a very detailed publication, and as close to state-of the art as is possible in this rapidly moving field.
Features: The text is concise, but understandable. The tables and diagrams are used sparingly but appropriately to clarify the genes and pathways addressed. An effort is made to synthesize information from a diversity of sources. Covering these topics in a cohesive manner is not straightforward (cross-talk between the various pathways necessitates cross-talk between the chapters!) but the topics are cross-referenced adequately.
Assessment: All in all, this is a successful effort, and an updated second edition will probably be needed soon.

Karen Kaul

This book is a comprehensive overview of the numerous and varied genetic alterations leading to development and progression of cancer. In this complicated and rapidly moving field, a volume such as this that is a compilation and synthesis of findings from basic research presented in an understandable fashion is tremendously useful. The full spectrum of molecular oncology is covered, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cancer predisposition, DNA repair, epigenetic alteration such as methylation, and an exciting section giving the reader a glimpse of the impact of translation research efforts on the treatment of cancer. This is a much needed and very timely undertaking; the completion of the human genome map and the information to be gained as a result will further increase the need and interest for this book. This is not an entry-level volume. The editor assumes a basic understanding of DNA, genetics, cell biology, and cancer. This book is aimed at those involved in molecular carcinogenesis who want to broaden or deepen their knowledge. The potential audience would include basic or clinically oriented researchers at the graduate student level or above, and clinical practitioners who have a background in molecular oncology. This is a very detailed publication, and as close to state-of the art as is possible in this rapidly moving field. The text is concise, but understandable. The tables and diagrams are used sparingly but appropriately to clarify the genes and pathways addressed. An effort is made to synthesize information from a diversity of sources. Covering these topics in a cohesive manner is not straightforward (cross-talk between the various pathways necessitatescross-talk between the chapters!) but the topics are cross-referenced adequately. All in all, this is a successful effort, and an updated second edition will probably be needed soon.

Booknews

Ehrlich (biochemistry, Tulane Medical School) presents 31 papers which describe the most important genetic alterations associated with cancer and the mechanisms through which these alterations cause malignant transformation. The papers are organized into sections on: tumor suppressor genes and cancer modifier loci; activation of the oncogenic function of proto-oncogenes and other cancer-promoting genes by mutation or arrangement; DNA repair and cancer; inherited mutation contributing to oncogenesis; DNA methylation, imprinting, and cancer; the contribution of karyotypic instability to cancer formation and tumor progression; and new strategies for cancer therapies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

3 Stars from Doody