Foreword

The collection of diseases known as cancer has been recognized as a deadly disease for more than 4000 years. Amazing improvements in the treatment of cancer have occurred in the past century. Still, however, understanding of the molecular basis of cancers’ origins remains incomplete. Neoplasms are complex diseases that involve mutations or aberrant expression of dozens of genes. The pace of cancer genetics research has expanded exponentially following the sequencing of the human genome. While a tremendous boon for cancer researchers, there have been numerous missed opportunities because the overwhelming numbers of papers published make it nearly impossible for any cancer researcher to keep up.

Dr. Satish Ramalingam and colleagues provide this extensive compendium of cancer genes. The catalog summarizes key data which implicates each gene in one or more cancers and summarizes key studies that explore each mechanism of action. The organization, by the chromosomes on which the genes are encoded, allows both experts and neophytes to cross-reference and facilitate their research objective(s).

The monograph is a compendious primer that will be a valuable resource for cancer biologists, clinical oncologists and students engaging in basic discovery, translational research, or clinical treatment of cancer.