The Past, Present, and Future of Cancer Teatment. Research was conducted in two separate, yet related areas of cancer biology. Laboratory work consisted of experiments designed to discover information concerning the gene regulation and receptor expression of human skin cancer (melanoma) cell lines. Four cell lines, provided by the University of Virginia, were established at Hampden-Sydney. It was shown through microarray analysis that certain melanoma cell lines capable of producing the osteoprotegerin protein express the OPG gene through differential gene regulation. In addition it was discovered that each of the cell lines studied is capable of producing the soluble RANK ligand, a molecule that competes with OPG during the regulation of bone growth. However, production of the compound in particular cell lines may require stimulus by the addition of cytokines. It was also demonstrated that none of the cell lines exhibit any of the membrane-bound TRAIL receptors. Work done outside of the laboratory setting can be characterized as a historical survey of cancer and cancer treatment. A timeline showing a variety of interesting data points was generated from research focusing on ancient texts and archeological findings. Events were arranged in chronological order, and span from the late Mesozoic era to modern time.