Biology of Cancer

Abstract

Although cancer can be cured by removal or destruction if recognized early, the urgent problem is to prevent, cure or control advanced cancer. The following basic questions are still unanswered: (1) what is the difference between a benign and malignant tumor; (2) does the cancer cell represent a transformation of a normal cell or a cell abnormal from embryonic life; and (3) what is the nature of the process induced either into the normal cells, or the "embryonal residue" when they become truly malignant ? Certain facts seem clear. The autonomous nature of a malignant tumor should not be viewed too rigidly. There is a uniformity in the chemisty of malignant tissue. The malignant process may be essentially the same in all malignant tissue, but it may be conditioned or controlled by several factors which vary with the etiology and the tissue from which the tumor arises. There is a multiplicity of causative factors in tumor genesis. Certain tissues possess a natural resistance or immunity to cancer. The need of a simple test for the diagnosis of early internal cancer is stressed.