Complex chemical mixtures impact our health every day. In the United States, and also in Central and Eastern Europe, there are a number of locations where complex chemical mixtures have been released to environmental media. Although exposure to mixtures is common, minimal information exists to quantify these exposures, or to determine their impact on human or ecological receptors. These proceedings present some of the most current research conducted to quantify complex mixtures in the environment and investigate their potential impact on human health. Many of the manuscripts reported in these proceedings represent the most up-to-date measurements of population exposures in Central and Eastern Europe. These studies are of value to health and environmental professionals around the world as they develop strategies for assessing exposures, remediating contaminated environments, and improving public health.

Developments in the understanding of the biology and treatment of Hodgkin's disease and non Hodgkin's lymphoma are moving at a rapid pace. New technologies, such as gene expression profiling in malignancy have been implemented using lymphoma to demonstrate their clinical utility. The objective of this volume is to review relevant aspects of the biology, diagnosis, and management with particular emphasis on emerging data available for this disease.

Understanding the role of hedgehog signaling in cancer is critically important for novel cancer therapeutics. The hedgehog pathway is a major pathway regulating cell differentiation, tissue polarity, stem cell maintenance and cell proliferation. It is known by now that activation of this pathway occurs in a variety of human cancer, including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), medulloblastomas, leukemia, gastrointestinal, lung, ovarian, breast and prostate cancers. This book provides insightful views suitable for graduate students, medical students, undergraduate students, basic and clinical scientists, cancer patients as well as the general public.

In September 1998 experts from 19 countries came together for an interdisciplinary discussion of the function of animal peroxidases, a family of enzymes embracing myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. Their papers have been updated for publication, yielding a wide-ranging overview of the state of the art. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including three-dimensional structure of representative family members, their biosynthesis and intracellular transport, mechanism of action as well as applications to clinical medicine. They are of clinical relevance in, for example, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, infections, tumorigenesis, rheumatic diseases and hypothyroidism. This book forms an excellent introduction for anyone interested in the peroxidase family of enzymes.

This volume contains the proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Biology of Brain Tumour. The first Symposium was held in 1979 at Gardonne Riviera, Italy. This meeting was planned in order to coincide with the lOOth Anniversary of the first reported operation for glioma in London on November 25, 1884. Since the first meeting, the field of neuro-oncology has made remarkable progress in understanding both basic and clinical factors of significance to patients with brain tumor. While the earlier meeting dealt to a large extent with clinically oriented studies, this symposium was more heavily weighted toward the biology of brain tumour and improving our understanding at the physiologic, biochemical, pharmacologic, and cellular level. The meeting was divided according to scientific content into presentations and discussions as well as posters for more leisurely viewing, so as to allow the main themes of the meeting to sequentially develop. The first session dealt extensively with neuro-oncology at the molecular level and included considerable discus sion of material related to the babic biochemical milieu in which tumors originate, proliferate, and eventually destroy the brain. Classic neuropathology has been the mainstay of tumor identification and characteriza tion, however, the process of classification has become much more complex. The availability of a variety of new tools has allowed investigation into the validity of the more traditional classification systems as well as the development of newer biologically related concepts.

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general onco logy textbooks are generally out of date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are more often prelimi nary 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. Unfortunately, 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 divid ing 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."

Cellular drug resistance is a major limitation to the success of chemotherapy of leu kemia and lymphoma. The importance of this has now been recognized by both clinicians and scientists. It is of utmost importance to bridge the gap between laboratory and clinic in this field of research. This is the main purpose of the series of International Symposia on Drug Resistance in Leukemia and Lymphoma. These are held every three years in Am sterdam, The Netherlands, since 1992. This book contains the proceedings of the third of these meetings, organised in 1998. The book covers all important aspects of drug resistance in leukemia and lymphoma, both in the form of extensive reviews as in manuscripts describing original data. General mechanisms of resistance are discussed, including the drug resistance related proteins p glycoprotein, MRP (multi-drug resistance protein) and LRP (lung resistance protein), and the role of glutathione and glutathione-S-transferases. Moreover, more drug type-specific mechanisms of resistance are a topic, such as for glucocorticoids and antifolates. Much in formation is provided on apoptosis and its regulators, and on the results of cell culture drug resistance assays. Several papers focus on the modulation or circumvention of drug resistance."

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of particular malignancy? The few general oncol ogy textbooks are generally out of date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are more often prelimin ary 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. Unfortunately, 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 emin ent 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 Breast Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Biology Kluwer Academic Pub lishers, 1988], we tried to present an introduction to the emerging basic studies on steroid receptors, oncogenes, and growth factors in the regulation of normal and malignant mammary epithelium. The response to this volume was superb, indicating a tremendous interest in basic growth regulatory mechanisms governing breast cancer and controlling its malignant progres sion. In the two years since its publication, much new and exciting in formation has been published and the full interplay of regulatory mechanisms is now beginning to emerge. We have divided this book into four sections that we hope will unify important concepts and help to crystallize areas of consensus and/or disagreement among a diverse group of basic and clinical scientists working on the disease. The first section is devoted to studies on oncogenes, antioncogenes, proliferation, and tumor prognosis. The first chapter, by Sunderland and McGuire, introduces the characteristics of breast cancer as studied by patho logists to establish prognostic outcome. Of particular interest is a new proto oncogene called HER-2 (or neu), which is rapidly becoming accepted as a valuable new tumor marker of poor prognosis. The second chapter, by Lee Bookstein and Lee, introduces the best known antioncogene, the retinoblas toma antioncogene, whose expression is sometimes lost in breast cancer. Malignant progression appears to be influenced by the balance of proto oncogene and antioncogene expression."

Timing, racing, combating, struggling and targeting are some actions through which cellular fate could be reflected and evaluated. Interaction between cell territory and environment occur during pre-embryonic, fetal development, and post-natal periods. What the researchers observe as the outcome of telomeres behavior is only the peak of an ice mountain within a stormy ocean. Cellular life depends on programmed behavior of telomeres, capable to surprise the cells. Telomeres provide an introduction to the history of our cells which govern the quality of life and status of health. Telomeres as the cooperative territory are capable of stabilizing the chromosomal territory. The status of telomeres reflects the key information, announcing the real age of individuals, and may be a valuable marker for prognosis and predicting cancer. Telomere territory is characterized with a multi-disciplinary manner. Therefore, this book is aimed to offer a wide range of chapters, hoping to be useful for diverse audiences, including hematologists-oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons, cancer researchers, and all the sectors who affect the macro- and micro- environmental domains. Finally, telomeres are sensitive, cooperative, and trustable targets. It is worth to state that 'telomeres are messengers of NATURE', let's to know them as they are.

Malignant disease of the genitourinary tract continues to provide a major health hazard. The study of these disease processes has been hampered at the clinical level as there has been a serious lack of reasonably controlled treatment trials, and at the basic science level as many of the animal model systems do not compare favorably with the human tumor situation. This volume defines current cancer treatment and research and its appli cation to the control of human genitourinary malignancy. The authors have developed their chapters in such a way as to provide an up-to-date resource for the clinician who is involved in day-to-day patient care problems, for the clinician-investigator who is attempting to construct programs designed to evaluate the impact of current treatments, and for the clinician-scientist who is seeking to apply basic research technology and skills to understand ing and control in this disease area. This book does not attempt to cover the entire breadth of urinary malig nant disease, but focuses in depth on specific problem areas. It provides the reader with sufficient background and understanding for him to be able to evaluate future studies in the areas addressed, or even to develop his own projects. A reasonable balance has been established between clinical and basic research problems, recognizing that the two disciplines truly are not separable. The book serves to define the state of the art and, as such, will of urologic oncology."

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diag nosis 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 fre quently publish good in-depth reviews of cancer topics, and published sym posium lectures are often the best overviews available. Unfortunately, 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 di viding 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."

It was not too many years ago that the role of chemotherapy for head and neck cancer consisted of single-agent methotrexate for selected patients with recurrent disease. In the past decade, multiple new agents, high-dose chemotherapy, combinations, and intra-arterial approaches have been used for the patient with recurrent disease. Wheeler critically assesses the current status of these approaches. When oncologists began testing chemotherapy in the combined modality approach, trials consisted of induction chemotherapy and use of single agents as radiosensitizers. Although a great deal has been learned from these trials, benefit in terms of survival has been marginal. Even more promising may be the concomitant use of combination chemo therapy and radiation. Taylor describes the encouraging results as well as the potential. Induction chemotherapy may have a second important goal in addition to improving curability-it could be used for organ preservation. Dimery et al., present the background for this approach in the patient with laryngeal cancer as well as a description of their randomized trial for voice preservation. Head and neck squamous cancers are a heterogeneous group of diseases, and surgeons have long sought parameters that will help predict outcome."

Photodynamic Therapy: From Theory to Application brings attention to an exceptional treatment strategy, which until now has not achieved the recognition and breadth of applications it deserves. The authors, all experts and pioneers in their field, discuss the history and basic principles of PDT, as well as the fundamentals of the theory, methods, and instrumentation of clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Non-oncological applications such as the use of PDT in control of parasites and noxious insects are also discussed. This book serves as a standard reference for researchers and students at all levels, clinical specialists interested in the topic and those in industry exploring new areas for development. A comprehensive exposition of both the theory and application of PDT, this book fills the gaps in the current literature by bringing together both basic understanding of the process of PDT and an expanded vision of its applications.

This edited volume describes cell-SELEX as the fundamental tool used to generate aptamer molecules for a wide range of applications in molecular medicine, bioanalysis and chemical biology. Easily integrated into the natural heterogeneous cell matrix, aptamers can be effectively used in theranostics, bioanalysis, environment detection and biomedical studies. The book gathers reviews that reflect the latest advances in the field of aptamers and consists in fourteen chapters demonstrating essential examples of these aptamers and aptamer-nanomaterial assemblies, depending on the types of applications and biological systems. It also includes a separate chapter on the utilization of aptamers in real clinics and what will be required to achieve this significant goal. The book will be both appealing and useful to a broad audience, including biologists, bioscientists, and clinicians whose interests range from chemistry and biomedical engineering to cell and molecular biology and biotechnology. Weihong Tan is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at Hunan University, China and also a University of Florida Distinguished Professor and V.T. and Louis Jackson Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida, USA. Xiaohong Fang is a Professor at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Volume 11 in this series discusses therapeutic applications of stem cells in disease and tissue injury. Coverage includes pluripotent stem cells, which can give rise to the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages; multipotent stem cells, which can generate all cells in a particular lineage and unipotent stem cells, which can give rise to only one cell type. This volume also examines cancer stem cells, tumor-initiating cells which possesses the capacity of self-renewal and can give rise to the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. Coverage extends to molecular mechanisms underlying the derivation and expansion of human embryonic stem cells, the role of specific proteins in the maintenance and inhibition of extraembryonic differentiation of these cells and the role of signaling responsible for the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. Nine chapters discuss the clinical importance of cancer stem cells, encompassing glioma, leukemia, ovarian cancer, pediatric sarcomas and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The role of cancer stem cells is also elucidated in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in spreading head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The book goes on to survey therapeutic application of stem cells of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic origin for regeneration of bones, including in osteoporotic bone disease; to illuminate the application of hematopoietic stem cells in bone regeneration and to discuss their use as a biomarker to facilitate determination of a treatment. The contributors review cells as biomarkers for pediatric solid tumors, and weigh the advantages and limitations of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Also included are details of neural stem cell engraftment in the injured spinal cord; the regenerative potential of neural stem/progenitor cells of newborns and cancer gene therapy potential using neural stem cells. Like the preceding volumes in the series, this book is distinguished for its comprehensive approach, its distinguished roster of 58 contributors representing 10 different countries and its thorough review of leading-edge technology and methods.

Malnutrition and its related symptoms are both frequent and deleterious effects of cancer treatment. Despite the importance of targeted nutritional interventions in ameliorating these effects, however, publications providing up-to-date information on novel nutritional approaches and strategies are lacking. This book is intended to fill the void by describing and evaluating in detail the nutritional strategies that may be employed to alleviate a wide variety of cancer treatment effects. The guidance provided will help to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, and has the potential to dramatically affect how evidence-based clinical practice is established and improved over the coming decade. The author is a distinguished expert in the field who has more than 25 years of experience in oncology nutrition and has been involved in establishing and implementing a Clinical Nutrition Oncology Program.

This volume provides an up-to-date account of the achievements pertaining to the application of capsaicin and capsaicin-like molecules in the therapy of various human ailments such as pain, non-allergic rhinitis, obesity, tumors and gastrointestinal, dermatologic and urologic disorders. It discusses the basic functionsof the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1), its mechanisms of action and its role in physiological and pathological processes. The text focuses on the most recent progress in the use of capsaicin and capsaicin-like molecules as a therapeutic agent and highlights potential pharmaceutical implications of further TRPV1 research. The chapters are written by noted experts in their fields of endeavor. This book offers both clinicians and researchers valuable resource and reference material on the subject that will stimulate future research. "

Causes and Control of Colorectal Cancer: A Model for Cancer Prevention is a ground- breaking monograph which takes a global, multidisciplinary approach to the causes, carcinogenesis and control of colorectal cancer. Over 1000 key studies were analyzed on colorectal cancer cause, carcinogenesis, primary prevention, early detection using modern screening techniques, and surveillance after tumor excision. All major research results are included up to the date of publication. The key chapters include those on morphology, molecular biology and evolution of tumors, etiology chapters on heredity, diet, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, life stress and others, while major chapters in the area of colorectal cancer control are on primary prevention, early detection by screening and surveillance, and post-tumor excision surveillance. Important recommendations on primary prevention, screening and surveillance of colorectal tumors are made in keeping with the most current research data. Causes and Control of Colorectal Cancer: A Model for Cancer Prevention takes colorectal cancer control into the 21st century, and suggests this to be the first cancer in which control will be largely achieved within the next generation, as a result of the unprecedented multidisciplinary research into causation, primary prevention, screening and surveillance over the past 30 years. The book also serves as a model for the control of other common malignancies, particularly cancers of the breast and prostate, the causes and prevention of which are less well understood.

The field of immuno-oncology continues to rapidly evolve as new insights to fight and treat cancer emerge. The fourth edition of Immunotherapy provides the most current overview of immuno-oncology in different cancer types and toxicities associated with immunotherapy. While immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of several solid malignancies, several challenges still exist. Only a subset of patients derive clinical benefits; some do not respond at all, and others respond initially, only for their disease to progress later. Because these drugs can activate a broad range of immune cells, patients suffer from a unique set of side effects known as immune-related adverse events. As more immunotherapeutic agents are used in the clinic, it is important to provide updates about current and ongoing developments in the field to further research efforts and inform treatment decisions. The fourth edition will have a new focus on strategies to overcome the challenges associated with immunotherapy. Chapters will discuss topics such as biomarkers of response, resistance mechanisms, role of imaging in predicting immune-related adverse events, and management of immune-related adverse events. Written by leading experts conducting cutting-edge research, readers will gain up-to-date knowledge on the current state and future of immunotherapy.

Characteristics of Hypoxic Cells that Enhance their Susceptibility to Chemical Injury.- Prediction and Measurement of Redox Properties of Drugs and Biomolecules.- Metal-Catalyzed Redox Processes in Biological Systems and Drug Activation.- Redox Systems Generated by Electro-chemical Oxidations and Reductions.- The Role of DNA Damage in the Bioreductive Action of 2-Nitroimidazoles.- Redox Properties of Radiation Induced Free Radicals.- Reduction of Bleomycin-Fe by Reductases and Active Oxygen Formation.- Redox Activation of Drugs by the Red Blood Cell Membrane.- Induction of Stress Proteins and Drug Resistance by Hypoxia and Applications of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Cryospectrophotometry for Detecting Hypoxia in Tumors.- Mechanisms of Activation of Mitomycin C and AZQ in Aerobic and Hypoxic Mammalian Cells.- Molecular Interactions and Biological Effects of the Products of Reduction of Nitroimidazoles.- Redox Activation of Benzotriazine N-oxides: Mechanisms and Potential as Anticancer Drugs.- Nitroacridines and Nitroquinolines as DNA-affinic Hypoxia-selective Cytotoxins.- Metabolic Effects of Hypoxic Cell Sensitizers.- Does Ro-03-8799 Concentration in Human Tumour Xenografts Predict Radiosensitization? Comparison with SR-2508.- Enzyme-directed Bioreductive Drug Development.- Improved Treatment of Tumours in vivo by Combining the Bioreductive Drug, RSU-1069, Hydralazine and Hyperthermia.- Assessment of Bioreductive Drug Toxicity in vitro and in Experimental Tumours in vivo.- Activity of Bioreductive Agents in Human and Rodent Tumor Cells.- The Control of Tumour Oxygenation in Mice: The Importance of Tumour Site.- Critical Events in the Toxicity of Redox Active Drugs.- The Reductive Activation of Nitroimidazoles; Modification by Oxygen and other Redox-active Molecules in Cellular Systems.- Fluorescent Probes for Hypoxia: Chemical Aspects.- Toxicity of Metal Complexes with Radiosensitizing Properties.- Effects on DNA of Bioreducible Nitroimidazole and Benzotriazine Drugs.- Response of Repair and Reduction Deficient Mutants to Agents Requiring Bioreduction.- Bioreductive Drugs and Radiation: Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Trials of Etanidazole Radiosensitizer.- The Oncogenic Potential of Bioreductive Drugs.- Adduct Formation by 2-Nitroimidazole in Mammalian Cells: Optimization of Markers for Tissue Oxygenation.- Tumour Blood Flow and its Modulation: Implications for Bioreductive Drug Activity in vivo.- Poster Presentations.- Participants.

This volume focuses on recent advances in understanding T cells as key players in antitumor immune responses, and as a result T cell-based immunotherapy is starting to transform the treatment of advanced cancers. However, despite recent successes, many patients with cancer fail to respond to these treatments. Defective migration of T cells into and within tumors is considered as an important resistance mechanism to cancer immunotherapy.The volume includes three sections. The first section covers general knowledge about T cell trafficking during a normal immune response but also during tumor development. The second section provides an in-depth description of the different obstacles that prevent T cells from migrating and contacting tumor cells. The third section explores therapeutic strategies to improve trafficking of T cells into tumors and, thus, to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

To produce a comprehensive overview of macrophages and related cell types in a short review volume is an impossible task. When I selected the topics to be included, some equally important areas were omitted by necessity, and for this I apologize. My choices have been somewhat eclectic, touching subjects of personal interest (such as osteoclast biology and macrophage electrophysiology) or of current fashion (apopto sis, antigen processing, cell adhesion molecules). The book has also had to encompass areas of a more general flavor to provide balance for the general reader (such as reviews of macrophage development, heterogeneity, and function, and of the surface molecules expressed by macrophages). I thank all the authors for their prompt sub missions; all have been of high quality, and my editorial tasks, thankfully, have been minimal. Michael A. Horton London, United Kingdom ix Contents Chapter J An Overview of Receptors of MPS Cells lain Fraser and Siam on Gordon 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. The Mononuclear Phagocyte System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3. Diversity of Macrophage Plasma Membrane Receptors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3. 1 A Structural Approach to Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3. 2 Multisubunit Receptors 3. 3 Soluble Receptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3. 4 Lectins and Lectin-Like Receptors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 4. Functions and Selected Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4. 1 Growth, Differentiation, and Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4. 2 Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4. 3 Endocytosis and Scavenger Receptors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4. 4 Secretory Responses and Biosynthesis of Effector Molecules . . . . . . 17 5. Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 6. References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."