or translated into a machine language without written permission from the publishers. Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this book, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law.
Print ISBN: 978‐3‐527‐35065‐0 ePDF ISBN: 978‐3‐527‐83858‐5 ePub ISBN: 978‐3‐527‐83857‐8 oBook ISBN: 978‐3‐527‐83856‐1
Medical Advice Disclaimer
Readers who believe they are having a medical emergency should immediately call their doctor, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911. Readers of this book understand and acknowledge that they are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and supervision. All content of this book, including text, treatments, dosages, outcomes, charts, profiles, graphics, photographs, images, and advice, were created for informational purposes only and do not constitute the provision of specific medical advice. Information is for educational purposes only.
Readers of this book understand and acknowledge that they should always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns regarding their health. Readers further understand and acknowledge that the contents of this book should never cause them to disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice related to treatment or standard of care, inasmuch as the information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical opinions.
Medical information changes constantly; hence, the information in this book or on the referenced websites should not be considered current, complete, or exhaustive. Do not rely on this information to select a course of treatment for you or any other individual. Reliance on any information in this book or on any referenced website is solely at the reader's risk. Readers of this book assume full responsibility for how they choose to use the information presented.
Dr. Surya K. De, PhD, does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by Dr. De's employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication by Dr. De is solely at the reader's own risk.
References to educational content not created by Dr. De are followed at readers' sole risk. Dr. De is not responsible for the claims of external websites. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Readers of this book should talk with their healthcare provider about any questions regarding a medical condition.
If there is a disagreement between the information presented in this book and physicians' directives, it is more likely that the physicians are correct. A medical doctor has the benefit of knowing readers' medical issues in more detail.
Readers should recognize that the information and materials presented in this book have the following limitations, compared to being examined by one's own physician:
Readers can have an in‐person conversation with their physician.
Physicians can perform a physical examination and any necessary tests.
There may be underlying medical problems requiring detection by a physician.
Dedicated to my Parents:
Late (Mrs.) Putibala De
Late (Mr.) Jatindra Nath De
Preface
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly 1 in 6 mortalities per year attributed to various forms of this illness. Understanding cancer is not simple, as it is a complex and constantly evolving cellular disease.
My aim in this book is to educate readers about the basics of cancer – from its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis to the variety of available treatment options. Having a clearer comprehension of the condition is vital for undertaking steps to prevent it, and for those already diagnosed, choosing the appropriate and most curative therapy.
Whether read by a medical student, scientist, doctor, or layperson, this book is a handy, basic reference and interesting compendium of information about a disease that is unfortunately so widespread; it is relevant to everyone.
I am deeply grateful to my family for their consistent understanding and support throughout the completion of this project.
As always, I welcome and, in fact, earnestly request readers to notify me of any suggestions for improving this book. Please send your comments to this email: [email protected]
Surya K. De, PhD, FRSC, CChem.
2021, San Diego
California, United States
About the Book
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with its various forms resulting in nearly one out of every six mortalities each year. Because cancer is a complex and constantly evolving cellular disease, understanding it may seem difficult. This book, however, provides a comprehensive overview of human cancer that can be easily grasped by medical students, doctors, scientists, and laypeople alike. Explore the basics of this disease – from its causes, symptoms, and diagnosis to the variety of treatment options available – all expressed in clear, simple language and through informative illustrations. Knowledge is the best way to eliminate the mystery and fear surrounding the disease of cancer. Through this book, readers are given the power to make lifestyle adjustments to avoid the illness and stay healthy, or if already diagnosed, hope in the realization that curative therapies are available and constantly being improved through ongoing research. All FDA‐approved drugs including small molecules, peptides, monoclonal antibody, whole antibody, gene therapy, antibody–drug conjugation, cell therapy, and others are included with drug names and brand names, medical uses, and targets.
About the Author
Dr. Surya K. De was born in a village (Takrar) near the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India, completing a university‐level education in his home country prior to being encouraged by his parents to pursue postgraduate training in the United States. After extensive postdoctoral studies and research appointments at the University of Washington, Purdue University, and the world‐renowned Scripps Research Institute, he worked at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in La Jolla, California, prior to his current role at another major biotechnological firm in San Diego as an expert in small‐molecule‐based pharmaceutical research. Dr. De has published over 100 papers in reputed international journals, covering a broad array of specialized topics in science, and he holds fifteen United States' and international patents. Due to his abundant research contributions in the areas of cancer, metabolic diseases, organic and medicinal chemistry, and neuroscience, Dr. De earned the distinction of Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2010, and was subsequently awarded the status of Chartered Chemist in 2011. In addition, he is an elected Councilor in the San Diego Section of the American Chemical Society. Dr. De resides in San Diego, California, where he loves the scenic coastline and sunny skies.
San Diego, California, United States
Surya K. De, PhD, FRSC, CChem
Common Abbreviations and Acronyms
5‐FU:5‐fluorouracil6‐MP:6‐mercaptopurine6‐TG:6‐thioguanineAA:Anaplastic anemiaABC:Advanced breast cancerACE:Angiotensin‐converting enzymeABMT:Autologous bone marrow transplantADR:Adverse drug reactionADP:Adenosine diphosphateAFP:Alpha‐fetoproteinAIDS:Acquired