History of cancer research in nosological perspective

Contrary to conventional wisdom progress in cancer research has not followed a linear course, but rather a torturous capricious path, often guided by the prevailing concepts of disease (nosology). Various theories appear, disappear and reappear all the time. Periods with rapid progression alternate with periods of stagnation. Really new ideas emerge rarely in oncology. Most of the so-called new ideas are modifications of older concepts i.e. old wine in new skins. Moreover existing oncological theories brought under the umbrella of a new nosological paradigm may change drastically and often get a totally new meaning. As a consequence older theories may linger on over centuries but may be modified to such an extent that the original concepts are barely recognisable. Progress in oncology is characterised by periods of rapid progress alternating with periods of apparent stagnation which with hindsight were nevertheless periods in which new concepts were in statu nascendi. The history of oncology provides still a source of inspiration, since older ideas may be worth reconsidering.