An innovative theory proposes a new therapeutic strategy to break the stalemate in the war on cancer. It is called cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, and Lucie Laplane offers a comprehensive analysis, based on an original interdisciplinary approach that combines biology, biomedical history, and philosophy. Rather than eliminating all cancerous cells-with harmful side-effects for patients-CSC theory suggests that it is sufficient to target CSCs, a small fraction of cells that lie at the root of cancers. CSCs are cancer cells that also have the defining properties of stem cells-self-renewal and differentiation. According to this theory, only CSCs and no other cancer cells can induce tumor formation. To date, researchers have not agreed on the defining feature of CSCs-their stemness. Drawing from a philosophical perspective, Laplane shows that four ideas are in play: stemness can be categorical (an intrinsic property of stem cells), dispositional (an intrinsic property whose expression depends on external stimuli), relational (an extrinsic property determined by a cell's relationship with the microenvironment), or systemic (an extrinsic property controlled at the system level). Our ability to cure cancers may well depend upon determining how these definitions apply to different types of cancers.

When Hutchison received the diagnosis of stage-four lung cancer, she couldn't believe it. As she shared the painful news with her children, endured the hardships of chemotherapy, and coped with weakness and exhaustion, she came to the realization that she wanted to share this journey with others. Hutchison gives an account of the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of each step: when chemo made her dreadfully sick, when her emotions fluctuated wildly in a matter of minutes, how she felt when people told her she looked so good. She shares how her sense of humor helped her cope with the weariness of yet another procedure and the isolation that accompanies cancer. Despite her suffering, Hutchison held fast to faith. Supported by her family and friends, she tells how she experienced God's love in a new way. A foreword and afterword by Joyce Rupp, Hutchison's writing partner on her two previous books, provide context for the book and relate the circumstances of Hutchison's death on May 7, 2016, and the Mass of the Resurrection that followed.

Written especially for nurses caring for patients with cancer, the 2016 Oncology Nursing Drug Handbook uniquely expresses drug therapy in terms of the nursing process: nursing diagnoses, etiologies of toxicities, and key points for nursing assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Updated annually, this essential reference provides valuable information on effective symptom management, patient education, and chemotherapy administration. Completely revised and updated, the 2016 Oncology Nursing Drug Handbook includes a simplified chapter on molecular and biological targeted therapy that incorporates new information about immunotherapy, new indications, and the most important and common side effects.

Popular understanding holds that genetic changes create cancer. James DeGregori uses evolutionary principles to propose a new way of thinking about cancer's occurrence. Cancer is as much a disease of evolution as it is of mutation, one in which mutated cells outcompete healthy cells in the ecosystem of the body's tissues. His theory ties cancer's progression, or lack thereof, to evolved strategies to maximize reproductive success. Through natural selection, humans evolved genetic programs to maintain bodily health for as long as necessary to increase the odds of passing on our genes-but not much longer. These mechanisms engender a tissue environment that favors normal stem cells over precancerous ones. Healthy tissues thwart cancer cells' ability to outcompete their precancerous rivals. But as our tissues age or accumulate damage from exposures such as smoking, normal stem cells find themselves less optimized to their ecosystem. Cancer-causing mutations can now help cells adapt to these altered tissue environments, and thus outcompete normal cells. Just as changes in a species' habitat favor the evolution of new species, changes in tissue environments favor the growth of cancerous cells. DeGregori's perspective goes far in explaining who gets cancer, when it appears, and why. While we cannot avoid mutations, it may be possible to sustain our tissues' natural and effective system of defense, even in the face of aging or harmful exposures. For those interested in learning how cancers arise within the human body, the insights in Adaptive Oncogenesis offer a compelling perspective.

This book addresses the growing problem of multimorbidity in cancer patients and survivors with the focus on how to best integrate the effective cancer care with the care of multiple chronic conditions. As cancer is more prevalent in older individuals, many patients with cancer also suffer from other chronic conditions that impact on the uptake, tolerance and outcomes of cancer treatment and their long term mortality and morbidity. In addition, cancer and its treatment increase the risk of future chronic conditions. Readers will examine the prevalence and predictors of chronic conditions in cancer, impact of chronic conditions on screening and treatment, evidence for preventative strategies that address both cancer and chronic conditions, emerging management and care integration strategies and directions for management of multimorbidity in special cancer populations - the very young, the very old and those at the end of life. Authored by clinicians and researchers from diverse expertise including epidemiology, sociology, hematology, medical oncology, palliative care, pharmacy and representing Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada and the Netherlands, the book brings an international perspective to a problem that affects all cancer settings. The book is going to be of interest to diverse professionals interested in cancer control including epidemiologists, public health researchers, policy makers as well as clinicians dealing with cancer patients within specialist cancer and non-cancer and primary care settings.

This practical book provides up-to-date information on the particular features of ovarian cancer in older women and the best management approach. The full range of relevant topics is covered. Guidance is provided on geriatric assessment, screening, pathology, diagnosis, and follow-up. The various treatment options are carefully explained, covering surgical approaches, chemotherapy as a first-line strategy, the use of anti-angiogenic agents, and treatment of relapse. The cognitive problems that may arise in elderly women during and after treatment of ovarian cancer are documented, with advice on response. Guidance is also provided on the design of clinical trials, and current directions in biological research are reviewed. This book will be of value to both practitioners and researchers with an interest in ovarian cancer and the elderly.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of medullary thyroid carcinoma, both in the more common sporadic form and in the familial form, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 2A and 2B. The coverage includes, but is not limited to, molecular biology and genetics, pathology, clinical presentation, imaging techniques, surgical treatment, and follow-up. The role of calcitonin as a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker for the screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of MTC and metastatic disease is described, and the significance of other tumor markers is also considered. With regard to treatment, the use of thyroidectomy is fully discussed, including in children carrying the mutations in the RET proto-oncogene considered causative for MEN 2. Additionally, the value of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as the most effective treatment modality in patients with a large tumor burden or rapid tumor growth, or both, is explained. Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 will be an ideal source of up-to-date information for a wide range of practitioners, including endocrinologists, oncologists, internal medicine specialists, geneticists, and nuclear medicine physicians.

From the bestselling author, Barbara J. Bain, the new edition of this practical reference on the principles of leukaemia diagnosis and classification has been fully updated, and incorporates the recently revised WHO classification. Leukaemias are a very heterogeneous group of diseases, which differ from each other in aetiology, pathogenesis, prognosis and responsiveness to treatment. Accurate diagnosis and classification are vital for the identification of specific biological entities and underpin scientific advances in this field. The detailed characterization of haematological neoplasms is also essential for the optimal management of individual patients. In this user-friendly guide, Professor Bain illustrates and explains how these many laboratory techniques are used for the diagnosis and classification of leukaemia and related disorders. Leukaemia Diagnosis, Fifth Edition will be highly valuable to trainee haematologists and laboratory scientists in haematology and related disciplines, and will also prove a useful reference source and teaching aid for those who already have expertise in this field. In addition, cytogeneticists and molecular geneticists will find that this book enhances their understanding of the relationship of their disciplines to the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of leukaemia and related disorders. Essential reading for every haematologist and haematopathologist, Leukaemia Diagnosis, Fifth Edition features * Over 300 high quality full colour digital images of abnormal cells in leukaemia and lymphoma supplemented by histological, cytogenetic and immunophenotyping images * Recent information on cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities in leukaemia * Updated information on the characteristic immunophenotypic characteristics of different categories of leukaemia

Problem Solving in Older Cancer Patients providesan evidence-based guidebook forming an overview of the current thinking and clinical practice in this field. By referring to individual case studies written and/or overseen by experienced physicians, the reader can learn how to approach the management of older cancer patients and implement the appropriate treatment strategy that best suits the patient, taking account of comorbidities, frailty, and patient choice.The core readership envisaged is the physician in oncology or geriatrics (and other medical disciplines) involved with older cancer patients, working in primary care, district hospitals or main general hospitals, cancer units and cancer centres. Specialist nurses, trainee specialists and senior students are an important potential readership.The first part of the book consists of general perspective chapters, discussing generic issues such as radiotherapy in older patients and anaesthetic issues. These are then followed in the second part by clinical case scenarios. Each clinical case includes a concise discussion on patient presentation and of scenarios underpinning issues experienced by older patients followed by a clear appraisal of how the latest clinical research impacts on patient management. The aim is to help the busy clinician modify daily medical practice in response to individual cases.In the twenty-first century, this large cohort of patients requires both innovative care and individual attention. This carefully crafted book shares the experience of an expert multidisciplinary team in the interest of patient centred care..

Over the past decade, major advances have occurred in the management of the many fields of cancer treatment encountered by the general surgeon. These developments have evolved from improved understanding of disease biology, high level clinical outcomes studies, as well as translational research with new available therapies. These advances have brought major changes to cancer care and have surfaced new dilemmas in clinical decision-making. Modern cancer management requires an understanding of the current status of a diverse array of oncologic diseases. Current Controversies in Cancer Care for the Surgeon provides a comprehensive update on the management of various cancers as interpreted by recognized experts in the field. In addition, each chapter will focus on current controversies and areas of advance. The text is designed to assist the practicing surgeon in achieving optimal management of encountered oncologic problems. Such an inclusive text will be invaluable resource for clinical surgeons, surgeons in training, students and researchers.

This issue of Recent Results in Cancer Research presents a comprehensive review of current understanding of chromosomal instability in cancer and of strategies to use this information for better treatment of patients with cancer. Cancer is a disease of the chromosomes, and chromosomal instability in cancer disrupts gene function by either inactivating tumor suppressor genes or activating growth-promoting oncogenes. The chromosomal basis for these aberrations is either translocations, which change the integrity of genes, or abnormal numbers of chromosomes, a condition referred to as aneuploidy, which results in abnormal gene expression levels. Such structural or numerical chromosomal aberrations are specific for distinct tumor entities. The degree of chromosomal instability and the degree of intratumor heterogeneity have profound consequences for disease outcome and for therapeutic stratification.

This book is a timely textbook that covers all aspects of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) from epidemiology, pathological classification and evaluation and molecular biology through to diagnostic imaging methods and therapeutic options, including the latest targeted therapies. The various types of NET are individually discussed, including carcinoid tumors, insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, VIPomas, somatostatinomas, PPomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, adrenocortical cancer, pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas and non-functioning pancreatic NETs. The contributing authors are internationally recognized experts who bring a wealth of experience to the subject. This book will be an invaluable source of information for practicing medical oncologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists and pathologists and also trainees.

The authors aim to provide essential information on various clinical cases on urological cancers. The main messages are well referenced and the texts phrasing is written in a simple and user-friendly style. The book also contains summarizing tables and high quality original pictures. Several expert panels (American Urologists Association, European Association of Urologists, Association Francaise des Urologues, etc) are proposing guidelines aiming at providing detailed recommendations to the Urologists facing difficult urological scenarios and no significant discordance exist between them since they are all based on the existing published studies dealing with different aspects of the urological cancers.

This updated and expanded edition developed by the Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant team at Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute features the latest medical management guidelines and standards of care for hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Spanning the timeline from the initial consultation throughout the transplant process, this handbook includes indications for transplantation and donor selection, treatment guidelines for addressing complications during and after transplant, and recommendations for long-term follow up care. Concise, comprehensive, and easy-to-use, Blood and Marrow Transplant Handbook, 2nd Edition presents a multidisciplinary approach to information for physicians and advanced practice medical providers who care for transplant patients, and also residents, fellows, and other trainees.

Although interest in pancreatic pathology is very high in the radiological and gastroenterological communities, it is still the case that less is known about pathology of the pancreas than about liver pathology, for example. Diagnosis depends on the structure of the pancreatic lesion, which can be directly visualized on US, CT or MR images. This atlas, which encompasses both the imaging and the pathology of pancreatic neoplasms, will therefore be invaluable in enabling radiologists and sonographers to understand the underlying pathology and in allowing pancreatic pathologists to understand the imaging translation.

The emphasis in the atlas is very much on the pathological and imaging appearances, with most of the text concentrated at the beginning of the book. A comprehensive overview is provided of typical and atypical presentations and diverse aspects of common and uncommon pancreatic tumors, including ductal adenocarcinoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, metastases and lymphoma. The atlas will greatly assist radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons in better comprehending and therefore better approaching the pancreatic pathology and will also be of much interest for pathologists.

Julia Greer - a physician, cancer researcher and food enthusiast - pulls together everything you need to know about breast cancer and the foods you should eat to protect yourself from developing breast cancer. She shares her collection of more than 250 easy-to-make recipes for sauces, main courses, sandwiches, breads, desserts and beverages - many of which are vegan or vegetarian and over half are gluten free. All of the recipes are all loaded with nutritious ingredients, chock-full of powerful antioxidants that may significantly slash your risk of developing breast cancer, and the cooking methods used are ones that protect foods anti-cancer properties.

This issue of Emerging Cancer Therapeutics provides a comprehensive review for practitioners on the current status of renal cancer treatment. Renal cancer treatment has undergone major changes over the course of the past few years and "Renal Cancer" addresses current best practices in the light of the most recent evidence. All of the chapters are written by international experts in the field, address the common clinical scenarios in renal cancer and are multidisciplinary in scope covering surgical, medical, and radiation therapy. Chapters examining emerging and novel therapeutic targets, the management of both CNS, and skeletal metastases in renal cancer round out the coverage. Emerging Cancer Therapeutics features:

Editorial board of nationally recognized experts across the spectrum of Cancer Therapeutics In-depth, up-to-date expert reviews and analysis of major new developments in all areas of Cancer Therapeutics Issues edited by an authority in specific subject area Focuses on major topics in Cancer Therapeutics with in-depth articles covering advances in clinical and translational research developments, as well as clinical applications and experience Emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to research and practice

This book describes the structures of Metallothionein (MT) family members and the cellular functions of MT-1, MT-2 and MT-4 isoforms, as well as provides insights into divergent biological roles of MT-3. The authors explain the involvement of MT molecules in various processes related to carcinogenesis, including an organ-specific presentation of current data concerning their potential impact on the progression of various tumors and the regulatory role of MT family members in the function of the immune system.

Fight cancer from the inside out

Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can be as hard on the body as the disease itself, and detailed nutritional advice is usually not part of the program. Yet eating the right foods can actually help lessen the strength of some of the most powerful symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment, allowing the patient to better fight the disease. Now, "Cancer Nutrition & Recipes For Dummies" is your trusted, informative guide to fighting cancer from the inside out.

Designed for cancer patients and their families, "Cancer Nutrition & Recipes For Dummies" focuses on foods best tolerated during--and that can ease side effects of--cancer treatment. It also offers advice for menu planning, nutritional analysis, diabetic exchanges, and much more.Serves as a guide for cancer nutrition before, during, and after treatmentGives you a wealth of easy, immediate steps to speed up the healing process through dietOffers advice on treatment as well as solutions to common side effects like dehydration, fatigue, and nauseaEnables cancer patients to put their strongest foot forward when starting treatment

"Cancer Nutrition & Recipes For Dummies" targets those dealing with cancer and the loved ones who take care of them, aiding both parties in alleviating some of the side effects of the cancer treatment through change in diet.

Edited by the winner of the 2008 Mike Price Fellowship

"The Cancer Clock" is a comprehensive overview of cancer as a single topic and provides an all-encompassing account of the key aspects related to the disease from its causes and initial diagnosis through to treatment and care and the different support mechanisms available. Carefully divided into three key parts, the first part of the book focuses on the genesis of the disease through environmental, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. The second part moves on to consider early disease, disease development, diagnosis, monitoring and imaging of the disease. The book then discusses standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy along with current developments in the field such as targeted therapeutics, antibody therapies and novel chemotherapy agents. The book closes with a discussion of patient care, pain control, nursing in cancer patients and rehabilitation processes and a final chapter that looks at the psychological and psychosocial aspects of the disease, from coping with the knowledge of having cancer to coping with the side effects of the treatments, family support and dedicated support groups.

Written in a clear, accessible manner this book is an ideal starting point for students of pharmacy, pharmacology, the biomedical sciences and other related disciplines where an understanding of cancer as a whole is required. takes an interdisciplinary approach covering the chemistry, epidemiology, basic biology and genetics, radiology, medical physics, medicine, nursing, health and social welfare all associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment and careexplains the various causes of cancer and suggests actions for the prevention of the diseaseincludes chapters on current diagnostic tests, drug development and the techniques used in drug design both chemical and biologicalconsiders current experimental therapeutic and diagnostic approaches and their potential for future therapeutic developmentexamines aspects of cancer care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and the psychological aspects of the diseaseincludes self assessment questions/answers, summary sections and review questions and information boxes to enhance student understanding

Microwave ablation is a simple, affordable, and highly precise technique. After its successful application in treating liver tumors, it is now widely used to combat renal tumors, adrenal tumors, thyroid nodes, uterine fibroids and other solid tumors. This book presents 40 successful cases of treating these diseases. A series of picture before treatment, after treatment and from different angles is provided for each kind of tumor treatment. In each chapter, step by step operative techniques and illustrations are included. This book also examines CT, NMR and ultrasonography to evaluate the effect of microwave ablation. Editor Ping Liang, is the Director and Professor at Dept. of Interventional Ultrasound, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China. Editor Xiaoling Yu is Professor and Chief physician, Editor Jie Yu is Associate Chief physician at the same department.

Esophageal cancer causes an estimated 386,000 deaths worldwide and is the sixth most common cause of death for men. The background characteristics of esophageal cancer treatment are markedly different between Asian and Western countries, however. In tumor histology, squamous cell carcinoma associated with smoking and alcohol consumption is overwhelmingly prevalent in Asia, whereas adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's metaplasia is markedly prevalent in the West. In Asia, especially in Japan, the key persons who play important roles in the management of esophageal cancer patients are surgeons; in the West those roles are filled by medical and radiation oncologists as well as surgeons. The philosophy of surgeons regarding cancer surgery varies from locoregional to local tumor control, particularly in focusing on lymph node dissection. Physicians' approach to surgical adjuvant therapy differs, therefore, between Asia and the West. Considering these East-West differences in esophageal cancer treatment, the currently available results of Western evidence should not be considered directly applicable to esophageal cancer in Asia. In this book, the authors discuss the knowledge base in Japan in terms of treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Since this volume contains a wide spectrum of current information and addresses topics surrounding the treatment of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, it is highly relevant to Asian physicians and researchers as well as to their counterparts in the West.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon but not rare aggressive cutaneous malignancy. It has many similarities to melanoma, particularly in the need for aggressive multidisciplinary treatment, but far less is known about this disease by most practicing physicians. This book summarizes all of the existing knowledge about Merkel cell carcinoma and provides a much-needed perspective on future opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic advances. It offers practical how to advice on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and also insight into how to establish a multidisciplinary Merkel cell carcinoma clinic. In addition, it will serve as a unique resource for trainees (medical students, residents and fellows) as well as for Merkel cell carcinoma patients and their advocates and caregivers. There is currently no such textbook, even an outdated one, covering this topic.

Prepared by world leaders on this topic, Biomarkers in Cancer Screening and Early Detection offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art perspective on the various research and clinical aspects of cancer biomarkers, from their discovery and development to their validation, clinical utility, and use in developing personalized cancer treatment. * Offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art perspective on the various research and clinical aspects of cancer biomarkers * Provides immediately actionable information and hopefully also inspiration to move discovery and clinical application forward * Offers vital knowledge to help develop personalized cancer treatment for individual patients with specific cancers

This book is a practical guide to the management of patients with breast malignancies. It serves as a quick reference book that gives the most up-to-date routine practical management strategies of breast cancer. Written and edited by leading experts, this handbook focuses on the application of conventional and novel treatment strategies to the care of patients with malignant breast disease and all stages of breast cancer. The chapters provide evidence-based treatment strategies for all patient subsets. Surgical, radiation, and medical treatment options are all discussed for each stage of breast cancer. It also includes the definitions of statistical terminologies and their usage in clinical practice and research. This is a comprehensive yet concise resource for residents, fellows, and early-career practitioners.