Oncogene-Directed Therapies

Prominent investigators and clinicians summarize in a balanced blend of fundamental science, basic research, experimental therapeutics, and early clinical experiences, what is known about oncogenes and oncogenesis, and describe how that knowledge can be used to treat the cancer. The contributors explain how, why, and under what conditions certain proteins acquire the ability to transform eukaryotic cells, and detail the crucial biological consequences of this oncogenic transformation, particularly for cellular mitogenesis, survival, differentiation, migration, proteolysis, or angiogenic competence. Their articles thoroughly explicate the premises, principles, techniques, and approaches to oncogene targeting in various types of human cancer by using signal transduction inhibitors, immunological targeting methods, and antisense gene therapy.

I. Basic Concepts in Oncogene Research. - 1 Genetic Basis of Cancer Progression. - 2 The Molecular Basis of Chromosomal Instability in Human Cancer Cells. - 3 Signal Transduction Networks: Ras as a Paradigm. - 4 Oncogenic Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. - 5 Ras-Mediated Deregulation of Gene Expression and Contribution to Oncogenesis. - 6 The Interplay Between Tumor Suppressor Genes and Oncogenes in Tumorigenesis. - 7 Genetic Basis of Altered Responsiveness of Cancer Cells to Their Microenvironment. - II. The Functional Impact of Oncogene Expression on Cancer Cellstherapeutic Implications. - 8 Deregulation of Cell Cycle Progression by Oncogenic Transformation. - 9 Oncogenes as Regulators of Cell Survival: The Role of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes in the Induction of Resistance to Anoikis and Hypoxia. - 10 Oncogenes and Tumor Angiogenesis. - 11 Oncogenes as Therapeutic Targets to Prevent Metastasis. - 12 The Impact of Oncogenes on Tumor Maintenance. - 13 Primary and Secondary Events in Oncogene-Driven Tumor Development: Lessons from Transgenic Model Systems. - III. Oncogenes as Targets for Anticancer Therapy In Vivo. - 14 Targeting Oncogenes in Hematopoietic Malignancies. - 15 Clinical Evaluation of Agents Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in Cancer. - 16 Inhibition of the HER-2/neu Oncogene: A Translational Research Model for the Development of Future Targeted Therapies. - 17 Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents. - 18 Targeting Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Human Astrocytomas. - 19 Targeting Oncogenes in Pediatric Malignancies. - 20 Inhibiting Signal Transduction as an Approach to Radiosensitizing Tumor Cells. - 21 Oncogenes as Targets for Cancer Vaccines. - 22 Bcl-2 Antisense Oligonucleotides Therapy for Cancer: Targeting the Mitochondria.