Overview of carcinogenesis: Past, present and future

Abstract

In the foregoing articles, the editors of Carcinogenesis have identified the major themes of current carcinogenesis research and assembled an outstanding group of authors to review these areas. I have been asked to provide a historical overview of past accomplishments and describe how these contributed to the broader efforts to overcome the burden of human cancer. My assignment also included a look into the future. As scientists we formulate hypotheses that attempt to predict the future. Occasionally we are successful. The pioneers of carcinogenesis research were remarkably successful in predicting the future. Armed with primitive technology relative to today, these scientists studied the biology of carcinogenesis and conceptualized a framework for cancer pathogenesis that virtually everyone working in cancer research follows today. The current generation has been charged with filling in the details. In the details lay the future. Together with past accomplishments, these emerging details form a remarkable picture of progress in understanding and application, creating realistic and imminent promise to achieve victory in the fight against cancer.