Cancer growth and progression in the framework of comparative oncology. A new approach to cancer therapy

The influence of comparative oncology is most timely in view of the fact that there are significant intra- and interspecies differences in tumor development, tumor behavior and tumor reaction to various types of treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and multimodality-therapy. A comparison of the diverse processes which occur under normal, physiological, neoplastic and therapeutic conditions will result in a clearer understanding of tumor growth and progression. Similarly, it can be applied for selection of suitable treatment by enriching our knowledge about the progression of neoplastic diseases. Such a course will also enhance a general acceptance of the value of comparative oncology.