Mary F. Argus – författare

This text provides a perspective on the complex aetiology of cancer. The topics are grouped into two parts: Part 1 covers cross-reactions between carcinogens and modification of chemical carcinogenesis by noncarcinogenic agents; Part 2 examines exogenous factors and endogenous biological parameters that modulate chemical carcinogenesis. The chapters in Part 1 discuss: the combination effects between carcinogens (synergism and antagonism); modification of chemical carcinogenesis by inhibitors, promoters and carcinogens; intercellular communication as an interpretive paradigm for the modification of carcinogenesis; mathematical modelling in the evaluation of carcinogen interactions; and a computerized database search and logic system for the assessment of relative carcinogenic potency of chemical mixtures. Chapters in Part 2 discuss: other exogenous as well as endogenous factors that modulate chemical carcinogenesis; immunotoxicity of carcinogens, diet (caloric intake, protein/amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fibre); age of the organism; hormones and modification of the endocrine status; genetic susceptibility; radiations; viruses; stress; and electromagnetic fields.Because of the dominant role that the oncogene concept, signal transduction and tumour-suppressor genes play in the understanding of the mechanism of carcinogenesis, special emphasis is given to the chapter discussing viral-chemical interactions and the molecular biology of viral tumourigenesis.

In the approach to the analysis of disease, including, of course, cancer, two major thrusts may be distinguished. These may be referred to, in shorthand, as agents and processes: the causative agents (chemical, microbial, physical, environmental, and psychosocial) and the organismic processes, initiated and furthered by the agents, culminating in observable pathology (at the macromolecular, cytological, histological, organ function, locomotor, and behavioral levels). The past 25 years, since the appearance of the first volume of the predecessor series (1) authored by the Editors of this present volume, have seen an impressive number of studies on chemicals (and other agents) as etiologic factors in the induction of cancer. The major emphasis has been on the discovery of many chemical carcinogens of widely different structures, their metabolism by various tissues and cells, and, in turn, their molecular-biochemical effects on the cells. This rapidly expanded body of information, as effectively covered in the predecessor volumes, is an excellent entree to the second half of the overall problem of chemical carcinogenesis, the processes. The active agents trigger a large array of molecular-biochemical alterations to which the target cells, target tissues, and target organisms respond in many select and common ways. This second major aspect of the induction of cancer by chemicals (and by other agents)- the sequence of cellular and tissue changes clearly relevant to cancer-remains the challenge for the future.

In the approach to the analysis of disease, including, of course, cancer, two major thrusts may be distinguished. These may be referred to, in shorthand, as agents and processes: the causative agents (chemical, microbial, physical, environmental, and psychosocial) and the organismic processes, initiated and furthered by the agents, culminating in observable pathology (at the macromolecular, cytological, histological, organ function, locomotor, and behavioral levels). The past 25 years, since the appearance of the first volume of the predecessor series (1) authored by the Editors of this present volume, have seen an impressive number of studies on chemicals (and other agents) as etiologic factors in the induction of cancer. The major emphasis has been on the discovery of many chemical carcinogens of widely different structures, their metabolism by various tissues and cells, and, in turn, their molecular-biochemical effects on the cells. This rapidly expanded body of information, as effectively covered in the predecessor volumes, is an excellent entree to the second half of the overall problem of chemical carcinogenesis, the processes. The active agents trigger a large array of molecular-biochemical alterations to which the target cells, target tissues, and target organisms respond in many select and common ways. This second major aspect of the induction of cancer by chemicals (and by other agents)- the sequence of cellular and tissue changes clearly relevant to cancer-remains the challenge for the future.

Chemical Induction of Cancer: Structural Bases and Biological Mechanisms, Volume I discusses the role of chemicals in the genesis of cancer in man. This book is organized into two parts encompassing four chapters that also present the concepts and techniques of testing chemicals for carcinogenic potential. After an introduction to the distinctions between normal and neoplastic cells, this book goes on describing the structure of potential carcinogens, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The next chapter deals with the role of intra- and intermolecular forces of chemicals in their carcinogenic activity. The last chapter discusses some aspects of the pathology of chemically-induced tumors. This chapter also provides the concept and testing procedures of animal assays. This book is of great value to oncologists, pathologists, and general medical practitioners.

Chemical Induction of Cancer: Structural Bases and Biological Mechanisms Volume IIIA deals with the organic and biochemical principles behind cancer. This volume contains the continuation of Volume IIA, which tackles structure-activity relationships of chemical carcinogens, the effect of chemical reactivity, molecular geometry, and metabolism on carcinogenic activity. Under this is non-conjugated organic compounds. The text is recommended for doctors, organic chemists, and biochemists with an advanced knowledge in biochemistry and organic chemistry and would like to know more the biochemical processes of cancer.

Chemical Induction Of Cancer: Structural Bases and Biological Mechanisms Volume IIA deals with the organic and biochemical principles behind cancer. This volume includes Part III of the work, which covers structure-activity relationships of chemical carcinogens, the effect of chemical reactivity, molecular geometry, and metabolism on carcinogenic activity. Under this is Chapter 5, which tackles conjugated aromatic systems. The text is recommended for doctors, organic chemists, and biochemists with an advanced knowledge in biochemistry and organic chemistry and would like to know more the biochemical processes of cancer.