Cancer research, a field on the verge of a paradigm shift?

Ido Goldstein; Shalom Madar; Varda Rotter

doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.002

Cancer research, a field on the verge of a paradigm shift?

Ido Goldstein, Shalom Madar, Varda Rotter

Department of Molecular Cell Biology

Weizmann Institute of Science

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate

Abstract

The theoretical framework for the field of cancer research is based on two main principles. The first is that cancer advances in a stepwise manner, with each alteration driving cells further toward a malignant state. Second, to cure cancer we must target only cancer-specific properties. Here, we analyze the birth and propagation of the cancer research paradigm. We believe the current paradigm is immersed in crisis and that the field would benefit from integrating theories within and outside the normal modes of research to compile a new framework, with the hope of faster progress and significantly fewer cancer-related deaths.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	299-303
Number of pages	5
Journal	Trends in Molecular Medicine
Volume	18
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.002
State	Published - Jun 2012

Keywords

Cancer
Chemotherapy
Kuhn
Paradigm shift
Targeted therapy

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Molecular Medicine
Molecular Biology

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.002

Cite this

@article{3ee6518345294001ab90820f29ccb827,

title = "Cancer research, a field on the verge of a paradigm shift?",

abstract = "The theoretical framework for the field of cancer research is based on two main principles. The first is that cancer advances in a stepwise manner, with each alteration driving cells further toward a malignant state. Second, to cure cancer we must target only cancer-specific properties. Here, we analyze the birth and propagation of the cancer research paradigm. We believe the current paradigm is immersed in crisis and that the field would benefit from integrating theories within and outside the normal modes of research to compile a new framework, with the hope of faster progress and significantly fewer cancer-related deaths.",

keywords = "Cancer, Chemotherapy, Kuhn, Paradigm shift, Targeted therapy",

author = "Ido Goldstein and Shalom Madar and Varda Rotter",

note = "Funding Information: We must bear in mind that finding a {\textquoteleft}magic bullet{\textquoteright} is a means to an end. The ultimate goal of cancer research is to produce a reality where fewer people suffer and die from cancer, whether it is because it was cured, contained at a stable, bearable stage, or prevented from developing altogether. Although this concept is fairly accepted among physicians, for most cancer researchers the battle against cancer is still a battle of {\textquoteleft}all or none{\textquoteright}. Moreover, to appeal to funding agencies, most cancer research grant proposals comply with the targeted therapy concept and offer new and tempting magic bullets. Both laboratory leaders and funding bodies should adjust to the changing times and consider channeling more resources to complementing strategies that decrease cancer-related deaths at the expense of developing the {\textquoteleft}ultimate drug{\textquoteright}.",

year = "2012",

month = jun,

doi = "10.1016/j.molmed.2012.04.002",

language = "الإنجليزيّة",

volume = "18",

pages = "299--303",

journal = "Trends in Molecular Medicine",

issn = "1471-4914",