Cambridge Monographs on Cancer Research – serie

This important new reference book on human cancer provides a global picture of the epidemiology of cancer and its environmental causes. By summarising on a cancer-by-cancer basis geographical, environmental and ethical factors, the volume collates a wealth of information which, taken together, provides valuable insights into the causes of cancer and scope for its elimination and control. The contents include: (1) general epidemiological methods; (2) a review of known or suspected causes; (3) a detailed review of specific cancers; (4) a brief review of legal and ethical implications. The bibliography concentrates on recent key references and reviews.

This volume looks in detail at the chemistry and carcinogenicity of the cyclopenta[a]phenanthrenes; these are fully aromatic (i.e. dehydrogenated) derivatives of physiologically important hormones, the steroids and some have been shown to be powerful carcinogens in animal models. Others have been found to be of widespread occurrence in the environment where they are probably derived from plant steroids. This book covers all aspects of this class of compounds including their chemical syntheses and chemistry, occurrence, physical and spectral properties, metabolism, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. It also outlines how steroid biochemistry indicates the way in which these molecules might be formed in vivo as a result of incorrect steroid metabolism and ends with a call for the application of powerful modern analytical techniques to the problem of whether they do occur in this way and are a cause of human cancer.

The book deals briefly with the normal structure, functioning and biochemistry of the esophagus and with the histological and genetic changes accompanying the development of esophageal cancer in humans and animals. Factors implicated in causing esophageal cancer are described in relation to its very dramatic epidemiology. Thus dietary deficiencies and consumption of foods contaminated by Fusaria mycotoxins are discussed in connection with the extremely high incidence of the disease in certain sharply demarcated regions in China and South Africa, and alcohol and tobacco use are discussed in relation to the epidemiology in Europe and USA. Other hazards mentioned include opium in Iran, betel nut in Asia and bracken in Japan. The sole group of chemicals known to be very potent esophageal carcinogens in animal experiments, the nitrosamines, are described especially in terms of the widespread human exposure.

First published in 1990. Sulfur containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (thiaarenes) play a potentially important role in environmentally induced cancers. The main sources of these compounds being fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and shale oils from which they are released either directly or via combustion into the environment. Information on the specific contribution of thiaarenes to the mutagenic and carcinogenic potencies of environmental matter is very limited but this book gives credit to new and exciting data in this field. Our present knowledge of the occurrence, chemical and physical properties, analysis, synthesis, toxicology and biochemistry of the sulfur containing aromatic compounds is summarized in this volume. The first half of the book covers all aspects of chemistry and carcinogenicity, whilst the remainder summarizes information on the various thiaarene systems, compound by compound. This volume will provide a valuable source of reference for chemists, ' toxicologists, biologists and environmentalists working in cancer research institutes and universities and for research scientists working in the areas of pollution monitoring, public health and fuel chemistry.

First published in 1992, this volume provides a systematic survey of the dibenzanthracenes and of their chemical, physiochemical and biological properties. The carcinogenic potential of the dibenzanthracenes - an important subclass of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - has been extensively studied and documented since their identification as animal skin carcinogens was first demonstrated in the 1930s. the volume treats the nomenclature, the chemical and physical properties and the synthesis and preparation of the five principal isomers of the dibenzanthracenes series: dibenz (a, h),- dibenz (a, c), -dibenz (aj) anthracene, benzo(a)naphthacene and pentacene. Other chapters are devoted to their occurrence and analysis in the environment, in industrial processes and effluents, and in foodstuffs. The second part addresses their biological activity and reviews the metabolism, cellular interactions, toxicology mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of the dibenzanthracenes. The final chapter is devoted to structure-activity relationships in this class of aromatic compounds. This is the first comprehensive account of this important group of environmental pollutants and carcinogens. It will be of interest to all scientists studying carcinogenesis, and the mutagenicity and toxicology of environmental pollutants.K

First published in 1988, this volume surveys the chemical synthesis and biological activity of the benz[a]anthracenes. These compounds occur in smoke and mineral oils and a few have been shown to be potent carcinogens. This volume was the first to review, systematically and in depth, the organic synthesis of these compounds as well as their metablolism, interactions with nucleic acids and protein, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Such studies have important implications in determining mechanism and specificity of chemically induced carcinogenesis.

Originally published in 1992, this volume looks in depth at the carcinogenic properties of N-nitroso compounds. These compounds occur widely in smoked foods and in meat and fish cured with nitrates; they are also formed in some industrial processes and in addition are found in cosmetics, tobacco and tobacco smoke. By focusing on the chemical and biological properties, the volume attempts to explain how these compounds exert their carcinogenic potential and, furthermore, goes on to explain how apparently harmless precursors such as nitrates and amines are transformed to produce carcinogens.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, many of which have been identified as potent human carcinogens, occur widely in the environment as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and other organic matter. Major sources of emissions arise from wood and coal burning, automobiles, heat and power plants, and refuse burning. Their widespread occurrence in the air and in food and water underlines the importance of understanding their role as causes of human cancer. This 1991 volume was the first to review the chemical properties of these carcinogens and to relate their carcinogenic activity to their metabolic by-products within the body. The emphasis throughout is on those recent findings, newer methods and techniques which helped to illuminate the process of carcinogenesis. The volume is suitable for anyone with a professional interest in the chemistry and metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, environmental chemistry and chemical carcinogenesis.