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Sharks Get Cancer, Mole Rats Don't: How Animals Could Hold the Key to Unlocking Cancer Immunity in Humans by [MD James S. Welsh]

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MD James S. Welsh

Sharks Get Cancer, Mole Rats Don't: How Animals Could Hold the Key to Unlocking Cancer Immunity in Humans Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition

by MD James S. Welsh (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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This fresh and fascinating exploration of new directions in cancer research focuses on the important role of the immune system in combatting this dread disease. Integrating clues from the animal kingdom, the veterinary clinic, extraordinary human cases, and even embryology, the author-a cancer physician, biologist, and physicist-creates a novel and compelling account of tumor immunology and the promises of immunotherapy. As the author explains, animals offer us many tantalizing clues about the nature of cancer in humans. Tasmanian devils are on the verge of extinction due to a virulent form of contagious cancer; soft-shelled clams on the East coast of North America are vanishing due to another epidemic of contagious cancer; dogs also contract a contagious cancer but they spontaneously overcome it; and a type of mouse and the homely mole rat are not susceptible to the disease at all. In humans, there are rare instances of spontaneous cures of advanced cancers induced by radiation. An uncommon form of dwarfism called Laron syndrome confers total cancer immunity on the people who inherit the condition. And recent research suggests that cancer has stolen the secret that shields the embryo against hostile attacks from the mother's immune system.The author makes a convincing case that what all of these diverse examples have in common is the immune system and its ability or inability to respond to malignancies. He concludes with a review of the exciting research on the human immune system and the development of new treatments that are inducing the immune system to combat and conquer even the deadliest cancers.

ISBN-13

978-1633881549
Edition

Illustrated
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publisher

Prometheus
Publication date

March 29, 2016
Language

English
File size

7454 KB
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Read with the free Kindle apps (available on iOS, Android, PC & Mac), Kindle E-readers and on Fire Tablet devices. See all supported devices

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Fascinating! Once I started, I could not put this well-written and engaging book down. Welsh’s in-depth analysis and insights are highly commendable. This is a must-read whether you are a cancer survivor like I am or just an interested party. High praise.”
—JAMES S. BOND, instructor of biological and physical sciences, Mid-State Technical College

“Dr. Welsh’s science is meticulously researched and comprehensive, and his interspecies approach to cancer research and treatment makes this book a fascinating reading.”
—DR. THOMAS BECKETT, retired veterinarian

“A fascinating book that provides a hopeful key to unlocking many of the mysteries of cancer. It is a must-read for cancer patients and their family members. Dr. Welsh offers hope to all those battling cancer with his uniquely insightful research, and his work should be required reading for all healthcare professionals working to eradicate cancer in our lifetime.”
—ANDREW WOODS, cancer survivor and patient advocate

“This book is fascinating. Being a cancer survivor, the chapters on the immune system and immune failure were very important to me. I’m living proof that our own immune systems are the best cure. The chapter “The Dog Knows” is about something I experienced personally: In 2006, we got a puppy, and it would only lick the right side of my neck. Eight months later, I was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer, and the tumor was on the right side of my throat. I would suggest this book to anybody. There is a lot of valuable information here.”
—BRETT HUDSON, writer, producer, director, and stage IV throat cancer survivor

“The title immediately attracts attention; the word “cancer” resonates with us all. As readers delve deeper, they quickly appreciate the author’s great gift for presenting significant and complex material through an engaging, thought-provoking, and down-to-earth style. Welsh easily draws the reader in, using illustrations and examples from the spectrum of our human experience to convey scientific principles—everything from pop culture, dinosaurs, astronomy, and human interest. I can’t wait for a television documentary based on this book!”
—JEFFREY P. LIMMER, MEd, MSc, DABR, FAAPM, director, Medical Physics & Quality for the US Oncology Network, McKesson Specialty Health

“A rollicking ride through the mysteries of cancer from an omnivorous mind. Dr. Welsh is to cancer what Carl Sagan was to astronomy. This book is to cancer research what the journals ofthe Voyage of the Beagle were to evolution. All young cancer researchers should read this book for insight and inspiration.”
—Dr. THOMAS ROCKWELL MACKIE, emeritus professor of medical physics, human oncology, and engineering physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

“This is an amazing book. Using clear and witty writing, Dr. Welsh explores the scientific history of cancer like never before. With examples ranging from galaxies to dinosaurs, creepy mammals to disgusting sea creatures, and even particle physics, he weaves a story as good as any novel. And it comes together in a way that suggests a future cure for cancer. A must-read for anyone involved with cancer.”
—NORMAN WALLIS, PhD, executive director, American College of Radiation Oncology --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

James S. Welsh, MD, FACRO is professor, director of clinical and translational research, and medical director of radiation oncology at the Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University - Chicago and chief of radiation oncology at the Edwards Hines Jr VA Hospital. He also practices and conducts research in proton beam therapy at the Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Therapy Center. He has led research in boron neutron capture therapy and fast neutron therapy at Fermilab when he was the neutron therapy physician at the NIU Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab.

Dr. Welsh has authored over 100 scientific articles and is a sought-after lecturer. Board certified in radiation oncology and neuro oncology, he has worked in the Oncology Department at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Human Oncology and Medical Physics Departments at the University of Wisconsin, and was full professor of neurosurgery and radiology at LSU-Shreveport.

He is the currentpresident of the American College of Radiation Oncology and is on the board of directors for the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics. He recently concluded eight years of service on the Advisory Committee for the Medical Uses of Isotopes, which advises the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission on medical issues. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0104FJFEW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Prometheus; Illustrated edition (March 29, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 29, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 7454 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 408 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1633881547

Best Sellers Rank: #1,367,469 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #37 in Lung Cancer (Kindle Store)
- #49 in Prostate Disease (Kindle Store)
- #137 in Lung Cancer (Books)

Customer Reviews:
18 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

18 global ratings

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R Heath Foxlee

This is an excellent book AND I really liked it

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 29, 2016

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This is an excellent book AND I really liked it; sometimes those are separate issues. Dr. Welsh has documented many situations in animal malignancies and used them to lay the basis to explain cancer immunotherapy in humans. The description of malignancies in Tasmanian Devils that transmit between individuals, sexually transmitted tumors that cross multiple canine species, as well why naked mole rats don’t get cancer would have made a completely satisfying book for me. To then put all of these stories together in order to explain current and pending immunotherapy in humans is a real tour de force.

The last few chapters are challenging but illuminating. This is the best explanation of immunotherapy that I have encountered.

Dr. Welsh’s writing style reminds me of my favorite science authors: Isaac Asimov, Martin Gardner, and George Gamov. He picks topics that are intrinsically interesting, explains them clearly, and proceeds to impressive conclusions. I noticed that almost every time I had a question or idea in one paragraph, it was explained or confirmed in the next. I do not recall such congruence in any other book.

Ultimately, I have no idea how someone can write so clearly about a complex subject in a first book.

I disclose that the author and I are on the steering committee for a radiation oncology conference. I hope to see more of him in print and in person.

Thank You!

7 people found this helpful

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Judy C

When I ordered this book I was afraid it may be written for a medical professional but I was pleasantly surprised at what an eas

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 22, 2016

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If cancer has touched your life…
I was first introduced to Dr. Welsh’s research years ago when he had been working on curing cancer in dogs, and the remarkable results for the four-legged patients. Since then cancer has touched my life in family members and pets. When I ordered this book I was afraid it may be written for a medical professional but I was pleasantly surprised at what an easy and enticing read it was. The stories are heartfelt and just as you want more on a subject the answers are unfolded in another chapter. I felt like I was behind the scenes with the author as he tried using what was available, although maybe not yet tested, to cure his patients' cancer. As a doctor he is sincere in his gratification when he conquers cancer, real in his sadness when a patient can’t be cured, and enthusiastic in his quest for higher understanding and new research.
Before I read this I didn’t realize that there are forms of cancer that are eradicating species while others are immune to getting cancer. Looking at the immune system makes total sense when you read his arguments. One thing is for sure, Dr. Welsh’s indisputable hunger to find a cure for cancer makes me hopeful.

5 people found this helpful

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readsalot

Great book for anyone even vaguely interested in biological science or medicine.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 2, 2016

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I'm have never been very interested in cancer, I read widely though and this book has all the qualities that I like. The information is stated clearly, concisely, and simply, also it rings of truth and consistency. Very well written, interesting clear through. Deep understanding of the immune systems, genetics, and interlocking relationships among diverse species and organizations. This book makes me think that a great electronic game could be based on these cellular systems.

4 people found this helpful

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Cheeser

Immunology background and future options

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 4, 2016

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The fascinating broad coverage of numerous areas of biology and medicine is brought together in the last chapters. The effect of the book should be to inspire investigators in a number of varied fields to broaden their concepts and perhaps even to reorient their further work.

2 people found this helpful

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Science lover

One of the finest general science books I have read

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 2, 2016

Verified Purchase

One of the finest general science books I have read. A must read for anyone interested in general biology, cancer biology or zoology.

One person found this helpful

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Adam