Molecular Basis of Cancer

We explore the molecular events leading to the onset and progression of human cancer. We review the central genetic and biochemical elements that make up the cell cycle, followed by a survey of the signal transduction pathways and checkpoints that regulate it. We discuss oncogenes, tumor suppressor and mutator genes that act in these pathways and review the role of viral oncogenes and their action on cells. We investigate the role of cancer stem cells and the interaction between tumor and the host environment. We explore specific clinical case studies in light of the molecular events underlying different cancers.