Basic Cancer Program: Genes, Signals, Metabolites

Cancer has one of the highest mortality rates and its incidence in the modern industrialized world continues to rise. The objective of this book is to elucidate the biological roots of carcinogenesis. A spectacular result of this analysis is the concept of the five basic cancer programs, which are the exact reverse of the five basic programs for cell control: division, growth, differentiation, function, and apoptosis. Each of these cell programs is characterized according to the interaction between the cell's genes, signals, and metabolites. Understanding the regulatory processes in normal cells allows profound insights into those of cancer cells. The findings on cancer development are then integrated into a general framework, a 'Unified Holistic Theory of Evolution'. In conclusion, new approaches to cancer diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy are discussed against this background.