Genes and the Biology of Cancer (Scientific American Library Series, No. 42) [Hardcover]

Harold E. Varmus (Author), Robert A. Weinberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1992 | ISBN-10: 0716750376 | ISBN-13: 978-0716750376 | Edition: 1

During the search to find a cure for cancer a great deal about the rules that govern normal life has been discovered, specifically the reproduction and development of cells. These revelations and their contribution to the fight against cancer are the focus of this volume. The book shows how scientists have explored the questions of cancer by tracing carcinogenesis to its earliest detectable, submicroscopic stages. Drawing on classic and recent research findings, the authors explain how any one of many factors (including sunlight, radiation, tobacco and certain viral infections) can combine with existing predispositions to radically alter the genetic code, turning a normal gene into cancer-causing one. They describe what we know about the mechanisms of genes that seem to promote cancer (oncogenes) and those that work to prevent and restrain it (tumour suppressor genes). The authors conclude the book with a review of current cancer research endeavors, looking ahead to possible future breakthroughs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Scientific American Library; 1 edition (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716750376
• ISBN-13: 978-0716750376
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #802,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent, deserves to be updated and reprinted, April 10, 2004

By 

David Fourer (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Genes and the Biology of Cancer (Scientific American Library Series, No. 42) (Hardcover)

An excelent short biology book on cancer, written by two of the worlds leading experts. There are very few up-to-date books on the biology of cancer. Even though a dacade old, this is the best place to start if you find a copy. Readers with a little knowledge of biology will appreciate it more. This book is not necessarily an "easy read". The authors introduction addresses "The motivated but non-expert reader." The photos and illustrations are appreciated.

A lot of information is packed into about 200 pages. Covers such topics as oncogenes, tumor supressor genes, growth factors, transmembrane receptors, signaling pathways, etc. Gives some historic background and describes some of the methods of research used. Gives an over-all picture of the multi-step model of cancer's origins. Does not cover medical/clinical aspects of cancer.

You may want to read this book because you have cancer and want to study a little about it. A good choice. For a good, shorter, simpler book, read Robert Weinburg's other book, "One Renegade Cell".