Part I Introduction -- A short history of chromosome rearrangements and gene fusions in cancer -- Part II General -- Molecular genetics methods in discovery of chromosome structure -- Mechanism of recurrent chromosomal translocations -- Chromosome translocations, cancer initiation and clonal evolution.-  Chromosomal fragile sites and cancer -- Copy number changes in carcinomas: applications -- Part III LEUKAEMIA/LYMPHOMA -- Chronic myeloid leukaemia -- Immunoglobulin and MYC rearrangements in multiple myeloma pathogenesis -- Genetic alterations in B cell lymphoma -- Chromosomal translocations and gene rearrangements in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia -- Cellular and molecular basis of MLL leukaemias: from transformation mechanisms to novel therapeutic strategies -- Acute promyelocytic leukaemia:  from a specific translocation to cure by targeted therapies -- Chromosome Abnormalities in AML and their clinical importance -- PART IV SARCOMAS -- Fusion Oncogenes of Sarcomas -- Translocations in Ewing Sarcoma -- PART V EPITHELIAL TUMOURS -- RET and thyroid carcinomas -- Gene fusions in prostate cancer -- Chromosomal Translocations in Lung Cancer -- Colon & Ovarian translocations -- PART VI OTHER ASPECTS -- Pre-clinical modeling of chromosomal translocations and inversions -- Protein complex hierarchy & translocation gene products -- Aberrant transcriptional programming in blood cancers -- Index.

This volume collates world experts’ insights into the molecular biology of cancer chromosomes, their abnormalities and the subsequent cellular consequences. Exploring themes involving oncogenes, such as by chromosomal translocations, other genome rearrangements and somatic mutations, this book is a review of the field of cancer genetics that presages a new era, as whole genome sequencing becomes more accessible.   The work begins with a look at historical themes, such as the analysis of metaphase chromosomes using microscopy and staining techniques, advances in which provided our first broad glimpse into the genetic anatomy of a malignant cell. Readers will learn about the application of DNA molecular cloning techniques in the 1980s, that led to the identification of the genes involved in the Philadelphia and Burkitt's lymphoma chromosomal translocations, solidifying the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in cancer aetiology via chromosomal alterations, and which launched a field in cancer genetics.   Subsequent chapters bring the reader up to date by reviewing recent developments in the field, with dedicated sections on leukaemia/lymphoma, sarcomas and epithelial tumours. Contributions feature numerous colour tables and illustrations and this volume will provide a basis for understanding cancer chromosomes for many years to come.