Molecular Diagnostics of Cancer

Present and potential future applications of new diagnostic
strategies basedon the direct or indirect detection of
cancer genes are delineated in this volume. Among the
methodological aspects covered are enzymatic target
amplification by the polymerase chain reaction and related
techniques, DNA fingerprinting, transfer of putative cancer
genes in appropriate receipient cells, and recent
developments inthe application of monoclonal antibodies in
immunohistochemistry and immunoscintigraphy. The diagnostic
and functional implications of mutations in cancer genes
such as ras and p53 are described. The characterization of
cancer genes and their products is correlated with growth
control anddissemination of tumour cells by in vitro or
clinical evidence. The contributions in the present volume
uptdate the information available on established or newly
described cancer genes, and may help manage the transition
from basic research to clinical practice.