ABSTRACT
Our understanding of both cellular and molecular properties of neoplasia has been significantly enhanced by studies using fresh human tissue and clonogenic tumor cells in tissue culture. In this chapter, we describe basic principles of cancer biology modeled in part from a thoughtful review by Hanahan and Weinberg (1). We have used the six traits of a cancer cell (Table 1) as coined by Hanahan andWeinberg to describe the basic tenets of cancer biology. We also demonstrate through a review of the literature how findings in basic research lead to improved therapies for the treatment of cancer. Finally we summarize basic principles underlying the treatment of cancer. By joining insights from basic research to developments in treatment, we hope to provide rationales for the next generation of cancer therapies.
