Oncology, Pathology, Medical Research, Experimental Science, Dermatology, Oncology - Basic Science

Skin Carcinogenesis in Man and in Experimental Models

Name: Skin Carcinogenesis in Man and in Experimental Models
Author: Erich Hecker
ISBN: 9783540563211

by Erich Hecker

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Overview

This book presents an updated overview of the current state of the art in scientific, experimental and clinical investigations on the generation and the prevention of cancer of the skin. From the achievements presented, marked refinements in the assessment of the risk of cancer, by environmental and endogenous factors, including tumor virus,
will be stimulated. They include the problem of the stratospheric 'ozone hole&sgrave; above both poles of the earth causing much public concern as expressed by current headlines in the media and by the United Nations Environmental Program. Moreover, new ideas will merge for developing specific approaches to explore the mechanistic,
i.e. ultimately the molecular-biological, causesof skin cancers and others. In addition, the experimental utilization ofoncogens and of other techniques of molecular biology at all levels of the biology of tissues and cells,
may open up entirely new facets in the research on skin cancer. Detailed knowledge of the mechanistic aspects of skin carcinogenesis may give important hints with respect to
'tailor-makèand utilize new anti-tumor agents in the therapy of skincancer for the benefit of the cancer patient.

Synopsis

The detection of cancer risk factors and their possible avoid ance would most effectively contribute to the fight against cancer. Research in these areas depends to a substantial degree on in vivo experimental animal models and on epide miologic studies, including data from cancer registries. When the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum was founded in 1964, its division "Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis" and a number of other divisions became engaged in research on chemical carcinogenesis of the skin, mainly using the mouse skin as an experimental model. Their interest orig inated in part from investigations of the new and at that time controversial pathogenic principle of conditional car cinogens as represented by certain tumor promoters which are per se noncarcinogenic. During the past 25 years, conditional carcinogens in terms of tumor promoters were established as anew, nonclassical category of cancer risk factors besides the classical solitary carcinogens. In the course of this exciting period, scientists of our center started cooperative programs with clinical dermato logists of the University of Heidelberg at the Clinics of Dermatology in Heidelberg and Mannheim, to extend the scope of their investigations into clinical oncology and to contribute by experimental approaches to solving problems in clinical oncology. This led to a gradual shift from mere animal studies to the more direct analyses of human tumors and opened up for us a new phase of research.