The last 40 years have brought tremendous advances in the management of several rare cancer types by chemotherapy. Unfortunately for most patients with one of the common cancers, progress has been less rapid. Impressive initial response rates to systemic therapy can often be achieved but drug resistance rapidly supervenes.

This volume examines the biochemical mechanisms of tumor drug resistance and their clinical relevance. Written by a group of internationally recognized clinicians and scientists, it provides an excellent synopsis of the current situation. Advances in molecular genetics will almost certainly lead to novel concepts that can be utilized in the clinic. During the next decade this area is likely to provide a focus for intense translational research activity.