The Sequential Analysis of Cancer Development

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the sequence of cellular and other changes during cancer development in selected sites in experimental animals and in humans. It highlights the similarities and differences among the carcinogenic processes and discusses the evident generalities and working hypotheses derived from the analyses. It also discusses some perspective concerning the possible relationship of carcinogenesis to other types of chronic pathological processes such as some forms of adaptation and evolution. Major emphasis is given to three sites—namely, skin, liver, and breast. Several other sites or types of neoplasms are also discussed in the chapter, including urinary bladder, brain, kidney, uterine cervix, and foreign-body sarcoma. It focuses on the development of cancer with chemicals in experimental animals and in humans. To date, the major evidence for a beneficial role for new cell populations occurring during the preneoplastic phase of carcinogenesis concerns the liver. However, it seems appropriate to explore other systems from this point of view. In other organs or tissues, appropriate physiological or environmental factors should be sought as possible influences on early carcinogen-induced new cell populations. These influences might well constitute naturally occurring “promoting” environments in at least some carcinogenic process.