The style is straightforward and all encompassing. It can be
used by any student who is approaching the field for the first time and it can
be an update refresher for those who may have been exposed in the past. It is
not of the level of Weinberg but it does address all of the salient issues in a
level of depth that allows for a ready follow on using the more in depth texts.
I have used the second edition in the past as a guide to
writing materials and obtaining a grasp of broad concepts and issues. The third
edition is a superb follow on to the last one.
Chapter 2 is a brief summary of DNA and its interaction in carcinogenesis.
Chapter 3 is gene expression. I especially liked the discussion on epigenetic
regulation which is a simple and direct coverage of this increasingly important
area. Section 3.4 discusses epigenetics and cancer which is current and a
critical topic.
Chapter 4 is on growth factor signalling. I typically like
to look at the process as a complete system, starting with a statement and
model of ligands, receptors, cytoplasmic pathways and then transcription.
Although this is done in parts the presentation as an integrated whole is
important. The kinase cascades are discussed. One of the general weaknesses of
many presentations is the discussion of just how do these proteins interact, at
binding sites, and then whether or now one should use kinetic models applicable
more appropriately to higher concentrations. Perhaps that goes into more depth
than would be necessary but I find it useful for students who have the
chemistry background to grasp the concepts. The diagrams are useful and provide
constructural understanding.
Chapter 5 discusses the cell cycle. The CDKs are the heart
of much of this portion of mitotic growth and the author covers them in
adequate detail.
Chapter 6 discusses growth inhibition and tumor suppressor
genes. The heart of this is the discussion of p53 the classic control gene. I
would have liked a more detailed discussion of ubiquitin and also of the MDM
proteins but again for the level of the text’s audience the introduction is
more than adequate.
Chapter 9 on metastasis is simply stated and gives the
reader a somewhat detailed overview. My only critique is that it would have
been useful to have a bit more detailed discussion of the ECM, extracellular
membrane, its structure, elements, and functions, with a separate subsection.
The author does refer to it and provides
The author blends therapeutics very well across the presentations
showing how progress is made. I would have like some discussion of pathway
dynamics. There are many books which detail these approaches but perhaps again
this is a bit too much. One final nit is that the experimental basis of the
results would be useful to have been added, for example by an Appendix.
Overall the book is a superb addition to anyone’s library on
molecular cancer genomics.
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