The cancer code A revolutionary new understanding of a medical mystery

Nephrologist Fung (The Diabetes Code) takes a sweeping look at theories of and treatments for cancer, concentrating on three historical paradigms for explaining the disease's cause. The first paradigm was "unregulated growth of cells," which, in Fung's view, didn't help explain how growth starts, and necessitated physically traumatic methods like chemo or surgery to treat already cancerous patients. The second, more recent paradigm, somatic mutation theory, holds "accumulated genetic mutations" responsible. As Fung explains, this led to the discovery of a "disorienting number of genetic mutations" associated with each type of cancer, and not to meaningful treatments. He holds out more hope for the third, newly developed paradigm: that under conditions of stress, genes that "enhance competition and survival" are activated within individual cells and thus trigger cancer, reflecting the evolutionary origins of all life as unicellular organisms. One day he believes that immunotherapy might be used to track down circulating cancer cells, but in the meantime, he recommends methods to manage risk that include changes to diet, intermittent fasting, and tightly regulating insulin production. While Fung certainly hasn't closed the book on cancer's causes or treatment, his explanations are accessible and his work as a whole is intriguingly provocative. (Nov.)

In this latest work, physician Fung leads readers on an enticing path through the history of cancer research and explains the biological processes of the cancer cell's backward evolution to ensure its survival. With the patience and methodology of a well-versed professor, Fung intertwines medical terminology with everyday examples, widening his audience scope and educating all interested parties. His desire to inform and answer complex questions in an accessible manner comes through in his method and prose. Through descriptive examples of seeds in soil (genetics and environment), Fung developmentally explores the three phases of cancer: transformation, progression, and mutation. He also answers questions as to the root causes of cancer; why the approach to treatment is so complex; and, more important, why after billions has been invested in cancer research, it is still a fatal disease. True to his specialty in dietary management, Fung also addresses the nutritional aspects related to cancer prevention and treatment. Illustrations and charts throughout help explain medical terms in accessible language. VERDICT As Fung's previous books, The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code, have been popular with a variety of patrons, this recent exploration of an important subject has the same potential.--Laura Lipke, Towson Univ., MD