David Hanahan

Definition

David Hanahan is a prominent cancer researcher known for his contributions to understanding the molecular basis of cancer, particularly in relation to the hallmarks of cancer. His influential work, alongside Douglas Weinberg, introduced a framework that describes the key characteristics that enable tumor cells to thrive and proliferate, forming a basis for cancer biology and therapeutic strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hanahan and Weinberg first published their seminal paper on the hallmarks of cancer in 2000, providing a comprehensive framework that has shaped modern cancer research.
2. In their updated 2011 paper, they expanded the hallmarks to include emerging characteristics like the ability to reprogram energy metabolism and evade immune destruction.
3. Hanahan's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment in facilitating oncogenic transformation.
4. His research has led to advances in targeted therapies by identifying specific molecular pathways that can be exploited for treatment.
5. Hanahan has contributed significantly to both basic and translational cancer research, bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications.

Review Questions

• How did David Hanahan's work contribute to the understanding of cancer cell characteristics?
  • David Hanahan's work was pivotal in identifying and describing the hallmarks of cancer, which are the fundamental traits that enable cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. By detailing these characteristics, he helped establish a common framework for researchers to understand tumor behavior and develop targeted therapies. This framework has guided subsequent research efforts aimed at elucidating the complexities of cancer biology.
• Discuss how Hanahan's framework on the hallmarks of cancer has influenced therapeutic strategies in oncology.
  • Hanahan's framework on the hallmarks of cancer has greatly influenced therapeutic strategies by directing attention toward specific pathways and processes that can be targeted. For instance, understanding how tumors evade immune detection has led to the development of immunotherapies. Moreover, recognizing metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells has paved the way for therapies that disrupt energy production, highlighting how his insights can translate into innovative treatment options.
• Evaluate the implications of Hanahan's contributions to our understanding of oncogenic transformation and its potential impact on future cancer therapies.
  • David Hanahan's contributions provide critical insights into oncogenic transformation by elucidating the mechanisms through which normal cells become cancerous. This understanding is essential for developing future cancer therapies as it informs researchers about potential targets for intervention. By focusing on how tumor cells adapt and interact with their environment, Hanahan's work lays the groundwork for creating more effective treatments that not only target the tumor itself but also its supportive microenvironment.

Related terms

Hallmarks of Cancer: A set of characteristics that cancer cells acquire to promote their growth and survival, including capabilities like sustained proliferation and evasion of apoptosis.

Oncogenic Transformation: The process by which normal cells undergo changes that lead to cancer, often involving mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Cancer Stem Cells: A subpopulation of cancer cells that possess the ability to self-renew and are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation and recurrence.