Debating Cancer: The Paradox In Cancer Research

Debating Cancer: The Paradox In Cancer Research PDF Author: Henry H Q Heng
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814520861
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 463

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Book Description
Cancer research is at a crossroads. Traditionally, cancer has been thought of as a disease of gene mutation, where the stepwise accumulation of cancer gene mutations is the key, and the identification of common gene mutations has been considered to be essential for diagnosis and treatment. Despite extensive research efforts and accumulated knowledge on cancer genes and pathways, the clinical benefits of this traditional approach have been limited. Recently, cancer genome sequencing has revealed an extensive amount of genetic heterogeneity where the long-expected common mutation drivers have been difficult, if not impossible, to identify. These realities ultimately challenge the conceptual framework of current cancer biology.This book introduces a new concept of genome theory of cancer evolution, in an attempt to unify the field. Many important and representative, but often confusing, questions and paradoxes are critically analyzed. By comparing gene- and genome-based theories, the hidden flaws of many popular viewpoints are addressed. This discussion is intended to initiate a much-needed critical re-evaluation of current cancer research.

Debating Cancer: The Paradox In Cancer Research

Debating Cancer: The Paradox In Cancer Research PDF Author: Henry H Q Heng
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814520861
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 463

Get Book Here

Book Description
Cancer research is at a crossroads. Traditionally, cancer has been thought of as a disease of gene mutation, where the stepwise accumulation of cancer gene mutations is the key, and the identification of common gene mutations has been considered to be essential for diagnosis and treatment. Despite extensive research efforts and accumulated knowledge on cancer genes and pathways, the clinical benefits of this traditional approach have been limited. Recently, cancer genome sequencing has revealed an extensive amount of genetic heterogeneity where the long-expected common mutation drivers have been difficult, if not impossible, to identify. These realities ultimately challenge the conceptual framework of current cancer biology.This book introduces a new concept of genome theory of cancer evolution, in an attempt to unify the field. Many important and representative, but often confusing, questions and paradoxes are critically analyzed. By comparing gene- and genome-based theories, the hidden flaws of many popular viewpoints are addressed. This discussion is intended to initiate a much-needed critical re-evaluation of current cancer research.

Genome Chaos

Genome Chaos PDF Author: Henry H. Heng
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128136367
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 556

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Book Description
Genome Chaos: Rethinking Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Medicine transports readers from Mendelian Genetics to 4D-genomics, building a case for genes and genomes as distinct biological entities, and positing that the genome, rather than individual genes, defines system inheritance and represents a clear unit of selection for macro-evolution. In authoring this thought-provoking text, Dr. Heng invigorates fresh discussions in genome theory and helps readers reevaluate their current understanding of human genetics, evolution, and new pathways for advancing molecular and precision medicine. Bridges basic research and clinical application and provides a foundation for re-examining the results of large-scale omics studies and advancing molecular medicine Gathers the most pressing questions in genomic and cytogenomic research Offers alternative explanations to timely puzzles in the field Contains eight evidence-based chapters that discuss 4d-genomics, genes and genomes as distinct biological entities, genome chaos and macro-cellular evolution, evolutionary cytogenetics and cancer, chromosomal coding and fuzzy inheritance, and more

Peto's Paradox and the Evolution of Cancer Suppression

Peto's Paradox and the Evolution of Cancer Suppression PDF Author: Brian Michael Muir
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781369300901
Category : African elephant
Languages : en
Pages : 177

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Book Description
An unsuspected finding in cancer research is that different cancers result from mutations in different genes. If cancer is a problem of multicellularity, why is there not a single set of genes regulating all cancers of multicellular animals? Cancer risk is expected to be higher in larger, longer-lived species since the risk of cancer-initiating somatic mutations is expected to increase with the number of lifetime cell divisions. However, this expected relationship is not observed, and has been termed Peto's Paradox. The evolution of additional mechanisms of cancer suppression in large, long-lived species can resolve the paradox and may explain the differences in the genetics of cancer between species and tissues. In a proof-of-concept experimental evolution study fruit flies with hereditary tumors were selected to evolve suppression of these tumors. A significant reduction in the incidence of tumors was observed in the final populations. The genetic changes involved in the evolution of additional mechanisms may come in two forms. First, a cancer-suppression mechanism acting may be recruited by its upregulation of gene expression in the target tissue. To address this, I compared the levels of gene expression of 15 tumor suppressor genes and 8 proto-oncogenes across dozens of non- diseased human tissues. I found that 15 of the 23 genes have their highest level of expression in the tissue types where they are implicated in hereditary cancer, relative to the tissue types where they are not. Second, additional mechanisms may arise by duplications of pre-existing tumor suppressor genes already acting in the target tissue. The recent finding of additional copies of the critical tumor suppressor gene, TP53, in the large-bodied African Elephant and the long-lived microbats has been suggested to explain the low-rates of cancers in these species. However, in a phylogenetic comparison of the coding regions of these retrogene copies relative to the normal TP53 copies in 24 mammals, I find that the additional copies in the elephant and bats are truncated early by stop codons, and are poorly conserved. In conclusion, incorporating evolutionary theory into cancer biology is critical for understanding the variation in cancer genetics across tissues and species.

Rethinking Cancer

Rethinking Cancer PDF Author: Bernhard Strauss
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262362082
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 433

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Book Description
Leading scientists argue for a new paradigm for cancer research, proposing a complex systems view of cancer supported by empirical evidence. Current consensus in cancer research explains cancer as a disease caused by specific mutations in certain genes. After dramatic advances in genome sequencing, never before have we known so much about the individual cancer cell--and yet never before has it been so unclear what to do with this knowledge. In this volume, leading researchers argue for a new theory framework for understanding and treating cancer. The contributors propose a complex systems view of cancer, presenting conceptual building blocks for a new research paradigm supported by empirical evidence. The contributors first discuss the new research framework in terms of theoretical foundations and then take up the relevance of a systems approach, reviewing such topics as nonlinearity, recurrence after treatment, the cellular attractor concept, network theory, and non-coding DNA--the "dark matter" of our genome. They address the temporality of cancer progression, drawing on evolutionary theory and clinical experience. Finally, they cover the dominant role of the tissue microenvironment in cancer, analyzing topics including altered metabolic pathways, the disease-defining influence on metastasis, and the interconnectedness of different environmental niches across levels of organization.

Cancer through the Lens of Evolution and Ecology

Cancer through the Lens of Evolution and Ecology PDF Author: Jason A. Somarelli
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1040027687
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
Cancer cells exist in an ever-changing “ecology” and are subject to evolutionary pressures just like any species in nature. This edited book explores the following themes: 1) how the dynamics of mutation, epigenetics, and gene expression noise are sources of genetic diversity; 2) how scarce resources influence cancer therapy resistance; 3) how predator-prey dynamics are mirrored in immune-cancer cross-talk; 4) how cancer cells parallel niche construction theory; 5) how changing fitness landscapes enable cancer growth; and 6) how cancer cells interact within the body. The book is a resource for understanding cancer as a disease of multicellularity grounded in evolutionary principles. By using this knowledge, researchers are starting to exploit these behaviors for treatment paradigms. Key Features Bridges disciplines exemplifying the ways disparate fields create new perspectives when integrated. Offers insights from leading scholars in cancer biology, ecology and evolutionary biology. Provides a timely recognition by oncologists that evolutionary paradigms are crucial for breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Integrates basic and applied sciences of oncology and evolutionary biology.

The Value of Systems and Complexity Sciences for Healthcare

The Value of Systems and Complexity Sciences for Healthcare PDF Author: Joachim P Sturmberg
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319262211
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 287

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Book Description
This visionary reframing of health and healthcare uses a complexity science approach to building healthcare systems that are accessible, effective, and prepared for change and challenges. Its holistic map for understanding the human organism emphasizes the interconnectedness of the individual’s physical, psychological, cognitive, and sociocultural functioning. Applications of this approach are described in primary, specialist, and emergency care and at the organizational and policy levels, from translating findings to practice, to problem solving and evaluation. In this model, the differences between disease and illness and treating illness and restoring health are not mere wordplay, but instead are robust concepts reflecting real-world issues and their solutions. Based on the Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of Systems and Complexity for Healthcare, topics covered include: • Coping with complexity and uncertainty: insights from studying epidemiology in family medicine • Anticipation in complex systems: potential implications for improving safety and quality in healthcare • Monitoring variability and complexity at the bedside • Viewing mental health through the lens of complexity science • Ethical complexities in systems healthcare: what care and for whom? • The value of systems and complexity thinking to enable change in adaptive healthcare organizations supported by informatics • If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the theory: implications for health system reform The Value of Systems and Complexity Sciences for Healthcare will interest and inspire health and disease researchers, health professionals, health care planners, health system financiers, health system administrators, health services administrators, health professional educators, and, last but not least, current and future patients.

Human Interphase Chromosomes

Human Interphase Chromosomes PDF Author: Ivan Iourov
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 303062532X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
This second edition focuses on the study of human interphase chromosomes and its relation to health and disease. Orchestrated organization and behavior of the human genome in interphase nuclei at chromosomal level has been repeatedly shown to play a significant role in almost all basic biological processes involved in the processing and inheritance of genetic information within and between species. Accordingly, post-genomic bioscience appeals to basic and applied studies of interphase nuclei genetics and genomics with special attention to interphase chromosome behavior in health and disease. Additionally, elucidating the role of interphase chromosome behavior during development, chromosome/DNA replication, DNA reparation opens new horizons for basic and applied bioscience Studies of interphase nuclei have an appreciable impact on different areas of biomedical sciences such as cell biology, neurobiology, cancer research, developmental biology, epigenetics, cytogenetics, and medical genetics, as a whole. Moreover, development of innovative and emergent technologies to analyze interphase nuclei are closely associated with application of these techniques in diagnostic and research practices to solve reproductive problems (including infertility and spontaneous abortions), to investigate congenital malformations (including those produced by aneuploidy and other chromosome abnormalities); genetic diseases (including cardiac, immune, neurological and psychiatric diseases), and cancer. This second edition serves as a source of updated valuable information and promising ideas for a wide audience of professionals in biomedicine including researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals in human genetics, cytogenetics, and developmental biology.

Embracing Complexity in Health

Embracing Complexity in Health PDF Author: Joachim P. Sturmberg
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030109402
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
This detailed volume illustrates the transformative nature of systems and complexity sciences for practice, research, education, and health system organization. Researchers highlight the fresh perspectives and novel approaches offered by these interdisciplinary fields in addressing the complexities of global, national, and community health challenges in the 21st century. With the implications that these emerging fields hold for health still relatively underexplored, researchers from a wide variety of disciplines, including physiological, social, environmental, clinical, prevention, educational, organizational, finance, and policy domains, aim in this book to suggest future directions in health care and highlight recent advances in basic and clinical physiology, education, policy-making, and leadership. Among the topics discussed: Impact of genomic heterogeneity on bio-emergent properties Harnessing Big Data to improve health services Decision-making of women in violent relationships Co-producing healthcare interventions A socio-ecological solution to physician burnout Embracing Complexity in Health: The Transformation of Science, Practice, and Policy is a highly relevant resource to practitioners in the field, students, instructors, and policy makers, and also should find an engaged audience among health and disease researchers, healthcare planners, health system financiers, health system administrators, health services administrators, health professional educators, and other health professionals. The trans- and interdisciplinary natures of health and health care are fostering a broad discourse amongst all concerned with improving patient care in an equitable and sustainable way.

Philosophy of Molecular Medicine

Philosophy of Molecular Medicine PDF Author: Giovanni Boniolo
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1317378350
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
Philosophy of Molecular Medicine: Foundational Issues in Theory and Practice aims at a systematic investigation of a number of foundational issues in the field of molecular medicine. The volume is organized around four broad modules focusing, respectively, on the following key aspects: What are the nature, scope, and limits of molecular medicine? How does it provide explanations? How does it represent and model phenomena of interest? How does it infer new knowledge from data and experiments? The essays collected here, authored by prominent scientists and philosophers of science, focus on a handful of mainstream topics in the philosophical literature, such as causation, explanation, modeling, and scientific inference. These previously unpublished contributions shed new light on these traditional topics by integrating them with problems, methods, and results from three prominent areas of contemporary biomedical science: basic research, translational and clinical research, and clinical practice.

Somatic Genomic Mosaicism & Human Disease

Somatic Genomic Mosaicism & Human Disease PDF Author: Ivan Y. Iourov
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2832505627
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 82

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Book Description