Oxidation-reduction (i.e. redox) processes at the plasma membrane of any cell have been attracting more and more attention, both in basic and in applied research, since the first workshop dealing with the plasma membrane oxidoreductases was organized in Cordoba, Spain, in 1988. This evolution is evident considering the numerous cell functions performed by plasma membrane redox systems not only in healthy cells but also in cells that escaped from the normal metabolic control (e.g. cancer cells) and cells under attack by pathogens. Plasma membrane redox processes have now been demonstrated to play an essential role in growth control and defense mechanisms of these cells. The great importance of the plasma membrane redox systems originates in the fact that they are located in the membrane which is essentially the site of communication between the living cell and its environment. We may say that the plasma membrane can be considered as the "sensory part" of the cell. No chemical substance can enter the cell interior without interaction with the plasma membrane.

Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) some twenty years ago by Victor Ambros, David Baulcombe and Gary Ruvkun, these three scientists worked to uncover the mystery of miRNA, the small segments of nucleotides that silence genes. While studying the development of the nematode worm, Ambros and Ruvkun discovered miRNA in animals, while Baulcombe discovered it in plants. Since their discovery, it took more than two decade to fully appreciate the value of miRNA in human health and diseases. Emerging evidence suggest that the activation of oncogenes and/or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes contribute to the development and progression of tumors. The regulation of genes is by far controlled by many transcription factors which are often deregulated during the development and progression of cancer. In addition, emerging evidence clearly suggests that the deregulation of miRNAs or small non-coding RNAs could also regulate the expression of genes, and likewise, miRNA genes are also regulated by transcription factors. The most attractive feature of miRNAs is that one miRNA can regulate many target genes (mRNAs), and thus miRNA targeted therapy is highly promising because multiple genes could be regulated by targeting a single miRNA, which becomes very important for the killing of highly heterogeneous populations of cancer cells within a tumor mass. Therefore, miRNA targeted therapy is an attractive attribute of miRNA research, which is covered through eighteen chapters complied in this book "MicroRNA targeted Cancer therapy," and it is hoped that the field of miRNA research will be appreciated through critical reading of these chapters on the cutting-edge research on miRNAs.

It has been generally accepted that angiogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, like acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms and multiple myeloma. The extent of angiogenesis in the bone marrow has been correlated with disease burden, prognosis and treatment outcome. Reciprocal positive and negative interactions between tumor cells and bone marrow stromal cells, namely hematopoietic stem cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts/osteoclasts, endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, T cells, macrophages and mast cells, mediated by an array of cytokines, receptors and adhesion molecules, modulate the angiogenic response in hematological tumors. More recently, it has been emphasized the pro-angiogenic role of the so called "vascular niche," indicating a site rich in blood vessels where endothelial cells and mural cells such as pericytes and smooth muscle cells create a microenvironment that affects the behavior of several stem and progenitor cells, in hematological malignancies.

Your complete resource for handling the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer treatments. At the time of diagnosis, breast cancer patients are faced with many overwhelming decisions about possible treatments. Living with Breast Cancer provides you with an overview of what to expect from testing and treatment, which cancer specialists you may need to see, and common terms to use to help communicate your needs to your team. This empathetic resource full of relatable stories teaches patients and caregivers how to ask the right questions to get the best possible care. The authors explain how to minimize the symptoms and side effects of treatment and outline coping strategies to deal with the stress of breast cancer treatment, including the changes in your body from cancer and its therapies. The book helps readers * make sense of their diagnosis * set goals and prepare for treatment * understand the different types of therapies, tests, and scans * manage the symptoms and side effects of treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight fluctuations, and depression * learn what medications and lifestyle modifications can help with symptoms * live and cope with progressive cancer Living with Breast Cancer is your definitive resource for handling the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer and treatment.

Kidney cancer is a heterogenous disease. This book covers:

-new surgical approaches which are becoming the standard, i.e., nephon sparing, laporascopic, minimally invasive techniques;
-new staging and prognostic capabilities;
-evolving therapeutic options include, cell based vaccine, gene and antibody therapy;
-molecular genetics allow for a better understanding of the various types of kidney cancer. Kidney Cancer is a comprehensive review covering present and future surgical approaches, staging and prognostic factors, currently accepted and future plans for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Contributing authors to this book are internationally recognized specialists in this disease. This book will be useful to the specialist (oncologist and urologist), primary care physicians, patients and family members dealing with kidney cancer.

The use of intra-arterial therapy is not nearly as easy as the use of systemic intravenous therapy. The unique complications of intra-arterial therapy can be minimized by selecting the right drug delivery system and by judicious use of appropriate chemotherapeutic agents. Intra-arterial therapy should not be used by physicians who are unwilling to provide the commitment necessary. Experience and dedication are essential ingredients. Only careful clinical investigation can underwrite the future in this area. REFERENCES 1. Ensminger WD, Gyves JW: Regional cancer chemotherapy. Cancer Treat Rep (68):101-115, 1984. 2. Clouse ME, Ahmed R, Ryan RB, Oberfield RA, McCaffrey JA: Complications of long-term transbrachial hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. Am J Roentgenol (129):799-803, 1977. 3. Niederhuber JE, Ensminger WD, Gyves JW, Thrall J, Walker S, Cozzi E: Regional chemotherapy of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver. Cancer (53):1336-1343, 1984. 4. Lokich J, Ensminger W: Ambulatory pump infusion devices for hepatic artery infusion. Sem Onc (10):183-190, 1983.

The early, organ-specific diagnosis of malignancy continues to be a major unmet medical need. Clearly the ability to establish an early diagnosis of cancer is dependent upon an intimate knowledge of the cancer's biology, which if understood at the molecular level should identify key diagnostic and therapeutic manipulation points. Advances in recombinant gene technology have provided significant understanding of the mechanisms of action of oncogenic viruses, as well as of cancer-associated genomic sequences (onco genes). This text will explore the known molecular genetic, biolog ical, and clinical knowledge of selected human neoplasms that demonstrate association with suspected oncogenic virus and those cytogenetic alterations that either cause or are caused by oncogene activation. The text first reviews the cytogenetics of human cancers link ing classical cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Avery A. Sand berg (Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, New York) reviews the leukemias and lymphomas, followed by S. Pathak (M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston, Texas), who reviews solid tumors. Functional consideration of oncogenes is highlighted by Keith C. Robbins and Stuart A. Aaronson (NO, Bethesda, Maryland) through their description of the v-sis locus sis and its gene product p.28; a protein that closely resembles human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)."

Dry Eyes of Innocence is an extraordinary story of courage and strength in the fight against Leukemia! A chronicle from the author's viewpoint, as he witnesses a personal transformation unfold in the last five or six years of his brothers awe-inspiring battle. Jeffrey was imprisoned from the age of 15 to 37, and then released into a world foreign to him. As an adult, in free society, Jeffrey learned the ropes of true manhood and responsibility and then fell victim to a terminal illness. Growing spiritually and emotionally while withering physically. Jeff and his family ponder -- will a matching donor be found in time? Will the transplant be successfull, or rejected? Will the effects of this physical assault on his body cause him to succumb? Or, will victory reign? The author finds himself in transformation from fear to victory, learning of Jeffrey's Leukemia at the most inopportune time, then helping his big brother overcome some of the most surreal moments of life imaginable. One finger in the air from Jeffrey is the constant reminder of his source of strength. this thug turned darling, with no internal organs and no self-sustaining breath, musters the strength to raise one finger and miraculously sing, "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No, not one.No, not one!" All of the ward nurses and doctors come running to witness this miracle! Dry Eyes of Innocence is a must read for anyone seeking strength in the midst of a storm, anyone searching for power to transform lives and for an inspiring message from an unlikely champion! 6 x 9 trade hard cover - 128 pages

Death receptors play a central role in directing apoptosis in mammalian cells. This process of active cell death is important for a number of biological processes, e.g. for the regulation of the immune system. Death receptors are cell surface receptors that transmit apoptotic signals initiated by corresponding death ligands. Many complex signaling pathways are activated and apoptosis is the final result of a complex biochemical cascade of events.

Besides their role in the induction of cell death, evidence now exists that death receptors are able to activate several non-apoptotic signaling pathways which, depending on cellular context, may lead to apoptosis resistance, secretion of pro-inflammatory proteins, proliferation and invasive growth of cancer cells.

This book looks at the molecular basis of death receptor signaling and the role of death receptors in cancer development.

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general oncology textbooks are generally out of date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are more often preliminary reports on a very limited number of patients. Certain general journals frequently publish good in-depth reviews of cancer topics, and published symposium lectures are often the best overviews available. Un fortunately, these reviews and supplements appear sporadically, and the reader can never be sure when a topic of special interest will be covered. Cancer Treatment and Research is a series of authoritative volumes that aim to meet this need. It is an attempt to establish a critical mass of oncology literature covering virtually all oncology topics, revised frequently to keep the coverage up to date, easily available on a single library shelf or by a single personal subscription. We have approached the problem in the following fashion: first, by dividing the oncology literature into specific subdivisions such as lung can cer, genitourinary cancer, pediatric oncology, etc.; second, by asking emi nent authorities in each of these areas to edit a volume on the specific topic on an annual or biannual basis. Each topic and tumor type is covered in a volume appearing frequently and predictably, discussing current diagnosis, staging, markers, all forms of treatment modalities, basic biology, and more."

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general oncology textbooks are generally out of date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are more often preliminary reports on a very limited number of patients. Certain general journals frequently publish good indepth reviews of cancer topics, and published symposium lectures are often the best overviews available. Un fortunately, these reviews and supplements appear sporadically, and the reader can never be sure when a topic of special interest will be covered. Cancer Treatment and Research is a series of authoritative volumes which aim to meet this need. It is an attempt to establish a critical mass of oncology literature covering virtually all oncology topics, revised frequently to keep the coverage up-to-date, easily available on a single library shelf or by a single personal subscription. We have approached the problem in the following fashion. First, by dividing the oncology literature into specific subdivisions such as lung cancer, genitourinary cancer, pediatric oncology, etc. Second, by asking eminent authorities in each of these areas to edit a volume on the specific topic on an annual or biannual basis. Each topic and tumor type is covered in a volume appearing frequently and predictably, discussing current diagnosis, staging, markers, all forms of treatment modalities, basic biology, and more."

In recent years much progress has been made in knowledge and understanding of the biology of cutaneous melanoma. In this respect etiological factors, prognostic factors, antigen expression of melanoma cells, immune response and mechanisms of metastasis formation have to be mentioned. It is the purpose of this book to give a review on fundamental aspects, diagnosis and prognosis, and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and precursor lesions. Moreover, previously unpublished new data are presented. A post-graduate Boerhaave course "Cutaneous Melanoma and Precursor Lesions" was held at Leiden University on 12 and 13 April, . 1984. The proceedings are contained in this volume. The editors would like to thank all speakers and chairpersons on the course, the Boerhaave Committee for its contribution to the organisation of the course, Upjohn Nederland for its financial support and Mrs. I.A. Kruyff for her secretarial assistance. Dirk Ruiter, Kees Welvaart and Soldano Ferrone, Leiden and Valhalla (NY), June, 1984. VII CONTENTS Preface v Contents VII List of First Authors with Co-Authors XI PART I: FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS. The epidemiology of melanoma R.M. MACKIE The molecular biology of carcinogenesis 9 A.W.M. VAN DER KAMP AND N.G.J. JASPERS 19 Human melanoma associated antigens identified with monoclonal antibodies: characterization and potential clinical application P.G. NATALI, R. CAVLIERE, M. MATSUI, G. BURAGGI, L. CALLEGARO, and S. FERRONE Cellular and molecular parameters of tumor progression in 38 human malignant melanoma J. BRUEGGEN, E.B. BROECKER, L. SUTER, K. REDMANN, and C.

During the course of editing 'Supportive Care in Cancer Therapy' (Martin us Nijhoff Publishers, 1983), it become apparent that several topics would have to await a second volume. Furthermore, development of new informa tion and evolution of ideas continues. This volume continues the intent of the first to present reviews of issues relating to supportive care, and to identify areas where further definition and further research is needed. The physician reading this volume will find the contents though-provok ing. In addition to reviews authored by physicians, there are chapters authored by non-physicians, who present a different perspective and a dif ferent style of writing. Reverend Bigler writes from his long experience as a chaplain for cancer patients, and tries to identify the changes that take place in the personality of the chaplain who works with dying patients. Ms. Kil lion and Ms. Powell try to describe what an Oncology Nurse is, rather than what one does. Attorneys Reese and Price present a very practical summa tion of issues which face the cancer patient, and their chapter could easily be copied and offered to one's patients; furthermore, this chapter gives direc tion to the physician who is frequently called upon for advice regarding issues which lie entirely outside his/her formal training. Excellent reviews on more' medical' subjects are here. 'Cancer in the Elderly' should provoke oncologists to re-examine their approach to the geriatric patient."

This book has been well received in many places and in many countries. It was awarded a ranking in the top ten publications on behavioral medicine in the year that it first appeared. When, in 1977, we began to fit the components of Cancer, Stress, and Death together, the established medical view was that each subject repre sented a different discipline, and that to integrate fields so diverse in information content was to seek to achieve a synthesis beyond reasonable limits. Had we been required to concern ourselves with the knowledge of each component in its entirety, this might have been so, but our concern, of course, was to integrate only those items of knowledge in any one field that could bear upon the field of interest of another. Moreover, we were concerned that physi cians and scientists take account of the inner forces that shape motivation and individual behavior, as well as the cultural identity of individuals, and we hoped that the biopsychosocial way in which we believed would gain ground and win support. Now, with need for a second edition, one can hardly conceive of not bringing together diverse contributions in one volume. Such syntheses as we have made clearly confirm that one can arrive at several levels of understanding of human situations through wise integration of biological paradigms within various social, cultural, and psychological parameters-which essentially is a simple way of defining the biopsychosocial way."

Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of serine-threonine kinases, rocketed to the forefront of the cancer research field in the early 1980's with its identification as an effector of phorbol esters, natural products with tumor promoting activity. Phorbol esters had long been of interest to the cancer research field due to early studies in the mouse skin carcinogenesis model, which showed that prolonged topical application of phorbol esters promoted the formation of skin tumors on mice previously treated with mutagenic agents. Research in the last years has established key roles for PKC isozymes in the control of cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and malignant transformation. In addition, there is a large body of evidence linking PKC to invasion and cancer cell metastasis. Moreover, it is now well established that the expression of PKC isozymes is altered in various types of cancers. More importantly, small molecule inhibitors have been developed with significant anti-cancer activity. The relevance of PKC isozymes in cancer signaling is therefore remarkable. This book will have 4 sections. There will be 23 chapters. Each section will have a brief introduction by an expert in the field (~ 1-2 pages).

This multidisciplinary reference explores the concepts and realities of quality of life among cancer survivors in its physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and familial dimensions. Informed by a broad range of fields including genetics, psychiatry, nursing, dentistry, rehabilitation, and ethics, it addresses daily challenges of living for this population, from self-care to cultural concerns and from social interactions to experiences with providers. Family issues of pediatric, young adult, and elder survivors, caregiving parents, and siblings are a major area of concern. And contributors describe interventions for survivors as individuals, in family content, and as part of integrated care across primary and specialty settings. Included among the topics: Play, leisure activities, and cognitive health among older cancer survivors. Genetic mutations in cancer susceptibility genes: a family history of cancer. Cancer patients in a pediatric intensive care unit: a single center experience. The impact of childhood cancer on the quality of life among healthy siblings. When cancer returns: family caregivers and the hospice team. Experiencing cancer services: a story of survival and dissatisfaction. A significant addition to the cancer survivorship literature, Quality of Life Among Cancer Survivors is a practice-building resource for oncology and allied health professionals, health psychologists, and social workers, as well as researchers in these fields.

Oncofertility integrates the two previously distinct fields of cancer treatment and fertility research and aims to explore and expand the reproductive future of cancer survivors. In order to achieve the goal of fertility preservation, the Oncofertility community must focus on communication and the way data is provided and received. Concomitant with the rapidly changing technology of Oncofertility, there have been radical shifts and advances in the way health educators and clinicians can produce and share information.As success rates of reproductive techniques such as egg freezing and banking continue to rise, providing increasing opportunities for young cancer patients to preserve their fertility prior to the onset of cancer treatments, communication among professionals in oncology, reproductive medicine, and psychosocial work, among others, becomes crucial, and clinical demand for Oncofertility information is expected to rise considerably.

"Oncofertility Communication" describes and addresses the myriad channels through which the multiple audiences involved in Oncofertility can be served with appropriate and accurate information about cancer-related fertility issues. The text answers frequently asked questions and provides invaluable insights to scientific and health care professionals about communication among the diverse Oncofertility audiences. It incorporates timely discussions about traditional and emerging electronic communication tools and discusses the impact of health care policy changes on the Oncofertility field. "

Statistical methods for clinical trials have been an area of active research in Biostatistics since the first modern clinical trials were mounted in 1946 by the British Medical Research Council in whooping cough and tuberculosis. Often, the participants in clinical trials suffer from potentially fatal chronic diseases, and it is especially important that these experiments in medical research use designs that are efficient, can be understood by physicians, policy makers and patients, respond quickly new ideas in medicine and statistics, and, perhaps above all, show respect for the complex and important ethical issues that arise in these settings. This book explores some recent thinking in designs for clinical trials, including alternative designs for phase I studies, interim monitoring for futility, adaptive designs based on accumulating outcome data, and designs of new, targeted therapies. The book is intended for both the statistical practitioner, who may be too busy to stay abreast of the literature on statistical methods, as well as statisticians conducting research in clinical trials.

Fluorescence is a very powerful tool for work at the frontier of cell biology, photobiology and bioinstrumentation. The stated aim of the workshop was to highlight the significance of fluorescence work for the understanding of cell and tissue physiology, physiopathology and pharmacology, particulary in terms of the analytical use of fluorescent probes in oncology. In the organization of the workshop a multidisciplinary approach was selected. The purpose of the Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) was to bring together researchers in the various disciplines of tissue optics, imaging, microspectrofluorometry and state of the art probes, in order to explore the full benefits that can be derived in biomedicine through the convergence of these approaches. When applied to in vivo and in situ studies, fluorescence and related optical methods enable us to explore within tissues, cells and organelles photon effects previously understood only in solution photochemistry. Processes which can be studied at the molecular level by photophysics, photochemistry and physical chemistry can be evaluated in living tissue by fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging at the intracellular level in terms of structure and function. Thus, fluorescence adds a new dimension to cell biology and physiology. This approach is now supported by a full and versatile, rapidly growing armamentarium of new selective probes for organelles, enzymes, cations, cytoskeleton and metabolic control.

The study of medical history is interesting in itself and may help to modify the view sometimes expressed that medical students and doctors are lacking in culture of any sort. Moreover, some historical perspective is often advantageous when one is considering the multitude of advances that are now taking place in the theory and practice of medicine.

This book, containing a series of collected papers concerning immunology and pathology and vascular biology and angiogenesis, drives us through scientific milestones in the history of medicine in the course of the past two centuries and highlights the contribution of pioneering scientists whose discoveries have paved the way to many researchers working in the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, pathology, and oncology.

This book will serve as a resource for scientists, historians of medicine and philosophers of science and medicine.

Metastatic dissemination of cancer is a main cause of cancer related deaths, therefore biological mechanisms implicated in metastatic process presents an essential object of cancer research. This research requires creation and utilization of adequate laboratory models. The book describes main approaches to model processes of metastatic cancer dissemination and metastases development. The book is structured in according with various metastatic pathways reflecting molecular specificity of metastatic process as well as anatomical specificity of aria of dissemination. Each chapter is introduced by short discussion of clinical aspects of certain metastatic pathway. Especial attention is paid for methods of visualization, quantification and analysis of the modeled metastases. Additional chapter is devoted to methods of mathematic modeling of tumor spread. The data presented in the book may be helpful for cancer researchers and oncologists.

, Adrenal and Endocrine Tumors in Children' is the third volume in the series, 'Cancer Treatment and Research' devoted to pediatric oncology. Like its predecessors, it is organized into two sections. The first section again deals with issues of basic research germane to the understanding of childhood malignancies. In volume 3, the scope of the first section has been broadened to include a review that is epidemiologically oriented and a second review that is psychologically oriented. In the second part, major pediatric oncology units in Japan, Australia, Europe and the Americas have been invited to report their experience with of the multiple endocrine adrenal cortical carcinomas and the presentation neoplasia syndromes in children. In addition to these institutional reports of case material, there are reviews on genetics, pathology, and a diagnostic evaluation of children. The overview chapter on adrenal cortical carcinoma includes recommendations for radiotherapy from Dr. D' Angio and for che motherapy from Dr. Philip Schein. Individuals using these recommended therapies are encouraged to report their results to the editors. The informa tion will then be made available to others on request. List of Contributors ACTON, Dr. Ronald, Diabetes Research Hospital, Room 817, 1808 7th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. BAUM, Edward S., M.D., Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Medical School, Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Child ren's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. BENZ, Dr. Chris c., Dept. of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA."

Gliomas are fatal diseases, but also represent good models for tumor research with the aim to eventually discover new and appropriate therapeutics against this disease. Glioma experimental research models are of help to investigate tumorigenesis (tumor stem cell theory versus "classical" opinions), tumor angiogenesis (since they are highly vascularized) and tumor invasion (since they grow without limits). In addition, they have a very special microenvironment (the brain) and limited tumor stroma cells (mainly microglia and endothelial cells). This book addresses the molecular mechanisms of the various tumor stages, describes the interaction with the tumor microenvironment and furthermore depicts experimental models for Glioma research and future therapeutic concepts. The book is composed and written for Scientists and Medical Doctors in Oncology, Neurosciences and Molecular Biology. "

The World Health Organization has identified chronic alcohol consumption as one of the top ten risk factors for worldwide burden of disease. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified alcohol as carcinogenic to humans, including cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, colon, liver and breast. Alcohol's actions may be direct e.g. effects on retinoic acid and one-carbon metabolism, or indirect, through metabolites such as acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species or through various signaling pathways that influence cell cycle and apoptosis that may contribute to carcinogenesis. This report reviews the state of the art in alcohol-related cancer research in ten chapters.

"HPV and Cancer" is a concise read that covers all aspects of the Human Papilloma Virus as it relates to human cancers. While written by professionals, it design to be understandable by those that are not in the field, yet it has the technical details that professionals want to stay abreast of this changing field. The book starts out the history of HPV and progresses into the molecular biology of the virus and our current understand of the structure and functions of the proteins and genes it encodes. We then look at the dynamic trends of this infectious agent in the human population, how it interacts with human cells, and the role it plays with other organisms to produce both benign and malignant tumors. Lastly, there is a discussion about a new vaccine for HPV and the hopes that are held by many to change the trends with this virus and the associated cancers it produces.