The field of cancer research: an indicator of present transformations in biology

Abstract

'Biology and cancer research have developed together. Invariably, at each stage, the characteristics of the cancer cell have been ascribed to some defect in whatever branch of biology happens at the time to be fashionable and exciting; today, it is molecular genetics'. Tremendous transformations have occurred in cancer research since these few lines were written by John Cairns: the discovery of oncogenes and anti-oncogenes, and the successful development of 'magic bullets' targeting the proteins encoded by these oncogenes. Nevertheless, Cairns' message is still valid. In 1978, he observed the first attempts to apply the tools and concepts of molecular biology to cancer; today, this research field reflects multiple and diverse efforts that go 'beyond' molecular biology by looking for explanations that have been left aside during its development, or by privileging new approaches, fully original or actively pursued in other fields of biological research. Because of this specific characteristic of cancer research, it is possible to use it as an indicator of trends in biological research in general.