This topical, handy volume is the perfect guide for physicians or scientists not specializing in the field, but wishing to understand exciting recent developments in cellular and molecular biology relevant to oncogene research. The terminology used in discussing oncogenes and their products is straightforwardly defined, and the concepts crucial to an understanding of oncogene research are clearly presented. Key topics are explored, including assay techniques used in molecular biology; methods for assessing behavior of normal genes and oncogenes; DNA and RNA tumor viruses; viruses inducing immunodeficiency; cellular proto-oncogenes and their relation to retroviral oncogenes; and possible roles of gene amplification and mutation, chromosomal translocation, and cellular growth factors in human cancer. An up-to-date survey of research on the major oncogenes and a discussion of the possibilities for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications of oncogene research are provided. The presentation is enhanced through many original illustrations, an appendix on oncogenes and related genes, and an up-to-date bibliography.