Cancer 1980: achievements, challenges, and prospects

This review article touches on various categories of research that have been expanded or made possible predominantly by funding through the National Cancer Program of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Under diagnosis, categories mentioned are biological markers, chromosome banding techniques, fluorescent-activated cell sorter identification of cell surface antigens, ultrastructural studies with electron microscopy, histochemical, radiologic, ultrasonographic, thermographic, angiographic techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, radioactively labeled compounds that attach to specific tumor cell surface receptors, and other agents that are preferentially taken up by tumor tissues. Predictive tests include human tumor stem cell assays, sister chromatid exchange assay, and hormone receptor assays. The techniques listed under therapy include hyperthermia, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiosensitizing compounds, and the supportive measures of hyperalimentation and other nutritional manipulations, psychological reinforcement, rehabilitative efforts, bone marrow transplants, blood component therapy, protective "germ-free" environments, and pain control. Drug delivery systems, animal and cell culture models, and prevention of carcinogenesis are also mentioned.