The Philadelphia Chromosome

A Mutant Gene and the Quest to Cure Cancer at the Genetic Level

By: Jessica Wapner

Narrated by: Heather Henderson

Almost daily, headlines announce newly discovered links between cancers and their genetic causes. Science journalist Jessica Wapner vividly relates the backstory behind those headlines, reconstructing the crucial breakthroughs, explaining the science behind them, and giving due to the dozens of researchers, doctors, and patients whose curiosity and determination restored the promise of a future to the more than 50,000 people diagnosed each year with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is an astonishing tale that will provide victims of other cancers and their loved ones realistic hope that cures may yet be found in their lifetimes.

The Philadelphia Chromosome charts the milestones that led to present-day cancer treatment and tells the inspiring story of the dedicated men and women who, working individually and in concert, have sought to plum the mysteries of the human genome in order to conquer those deadly and most feared diseases called cancer.

©2013 Jessica Wapner (P)2013 HighBridge Company.

Critic reviews

“[Wapner’s] gracefully written history skillfully combines both the science and humanity of this fascinating search for a cure for chronic myeloid leukemia.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“The story of the Philadelphia chromosome is truly the story of modern cancer biology. . . . Jessica Wapner stitches the whole story together with tenacity, diligence (and humor). This is a wonderful, readable, and highly informative book.” (Siddhartha Mukherjee, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Emperor of all Maladies)

Hard to believe it’s been all so soon

Fascinating journey from bench to bedside, seems a bit of a jump to conclude that cancer is only a genetic disease which seems to be the emphasis but with how exciting the discovery is I can’t fault those involved taking the ball and running with it! Great read.

Great topic for those in medicine

This book details the research and development and treatment for CML patients with the Philadelphia Chromosome defect. I work with cancer patients so I found the book extremely interesting--not overly technical for the lay person, but technical enough to keep me interested and listening with anticipation.

GREAT story.

If you could sum up The Philadelphia Chromosome in three words, what would they be?

Encouraging wonderful story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dr Brian Druker.... a TRUE modern day HERO!

Have you listened to any of Heather Henderson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

anything that referred to Dr Drukers drive to see this all the way through

Any additional comments?

A REALLY good and important book. Inspirational. Criticism? a tad too repetetive.