M. B. KASTAN Cancer is a disease resulting from alterations of cellular genes which cause phe notypic changes in somatic cells. Usually, when we think about genetic diseases, we think about inheriting one or two abnormal genes from our parents and these gene abnormalities confer the disease phenotype. In contrast, in the majority of cancers, no such inherited gene abnormalities can be identified (which does not mean that they do not exist) and there is no obvious family history suggesting an inherited disease. The vast majority of genes which are altered in the cancer cells are not transmitted through the germ line, but rather become abnormal in somatic cells sometime during the lifetime of the individual. Thus, the critical question which arises is "how do these genetic changes occur in somatic cells?." Epidemiologic data suggest that exposure to environmental carcinogens con tributes to the genesis of at least 80% of all human cancers (DOLL and PETO 1981). Thus, it is natural to suspect that the genetic changes in somatic cells which con tribute to the transformed phenotype arise from DNA damage caused by such exposures. Therefore, understanding how cells respond to DNA-damaging agents is likely to be an important component of our understanding of the genesis of human tumors."

Easily accessible and clinically focused, Abeloff's Clinical Oncology, 6th Edition, covers recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer, cellular and molecular causes of cancer initiation and progression, new and emerging therapies, current trials, and much more. Masterfully authored by an international team of leading cancer experts, it offers clear, practical coverage of everything from basic science to multidisciplinary collaboration on diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow up. Includes new chapters on Cancer Metabolism and Clinical Trial Designs in Oncology and a standalone chapter on lifestyles and cancer prevention. Features extensive updates including the latest clinical practice guidelines, decision-making algorithms, and clinical trial implications, as well as new content on precision medicine, genetics, and PET/CT imaging. Includes revised diagnostic and treatment protocols for medical management, surgical considerations, and radiation oncology therapies, stressing a multispecialty, integrated approach to care. Helps you find information quickly with updated indexing related to management recommendations, focused fact summaries, updated key points at the beginning of each chapter ideal for quick reference and board review, and algorithms for patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options. Offers more patient care coverage in disease chapters, plus new information on cancer as a chronic illness and cancer survivorship. Discusses today's key topics such as immuno-oncology, functional imaging, precision medicine, the application of genetics in pathologic diagnosis and sub-categorization of tumors as well as the association of chronic infectious diseases such as HIV and cancer. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.