Cytokines in Cancer Therapy (Oxford Medical Publications)

Cytokines, a broad class of proteins, have a role in fighting infection and in mounting an immune response; in mediating cell differentiation and embryogenesis; in promoting cell growth; and in inhibiting growth or causing cell death. Recent advances in cell culture, monoclonal antibodies and recombinant DNA technology have made it possible to isolate these proteins and to obtain sufficient quantities to conduct clinical studies as well as laboratory experiments. Thus, the foundations have been laid for a new form of cancer therapy and for understanding how abnormalities in the cytokine network could contribute to the process of malignancy. Up-to-date and comprehensive, this book brings together current research and discusses it in the context of its present and potential clinical application. The book is intended for cancer researchers, clinical oncologists, and those involved in the pharmaceutical and biological product industries.