Understanding cancer from a biophysical, developmental and systems biology perspective using the landscapes-attractor model.

Biophysical, developmental and systems-biology considerations enable deeper understanding why cancer is life threatening despite intensive research. Here we use two metaphors. Both conceive the cell genome and the encoded molecular system as an interacting gene regulatory network (GRN).

Today's cancer research and treatment - highly sophisticated and molecularly targeted, yet firmly bolstered in the classical theories.

Cancer research is linked to modern life-sciences, encompassing achievements in virology, yeast-biology, molecular-biology, genetics, systems-biology, bioinformatics, and so on. With these fascinating developments, it's easy to overlook that the fundamental theories and treatment strategies were established in the early 20th century and have remained valid ever since. Therefore, tribute must be paid to the founders of the field.

Vienna Cancer Stem Cell Club (VCSCC): 20 year jubilee and future perspectives.

Introduction: The Vienna Cancer Stem Cell Club (VCSCC) was launched by a group of scientists in Vienna in 2002.

Areas Covered: Major aims of the VCSCC are to support research on cancer stem cells (CSC) in hematopoietic malignancies and to translate CSC-related markers and targets into clinical application. A primary focus of research in the VCSCC is the leukemic stem cell (LSC).

A critical appraisal of the relative contribution of tissue architecture, genetics, epigenetics and cell metabolism to carcinogenesis.

Here we contrast several carcinogenesis models. The somatic-mutation-theory posits mutations as main causes of malignancy. However, inconsistencies led to alternative explanations.