Genetic Instability and Tumorigenesis

This volume reviews the current level of understanding of the role of genetic instability in human tumourigenesis. Discoveries in recent years have elucidated a number of gene products which control cellular responses to DNA damaging agents, eg DNA repair and cell-cycle perturbations. Mutations in these genes appear to be important contributors to the development of a significant percentage of human tumours. The reviews cover the range from scientific insights into genetic instability learned from simple model systems, such as yeast, to the genes which control these processes in human cells and contribute to human tumour development. Such information is being used to develop approaches to reduce cancer development and to provide more specific targets to improve cancer therapies.