This book provides a concise overview of the state of the art in the biology and treatment of plasma cell malignancies, a heterogeneous group of diseases primarily characterized by the presence of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow or extramedullary sites. The plasma cell dyscrasias investigated include monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), multiple myeloma, plasmacytoma, immunoglobulin deposition diseases (primary amyloidosis and systemic light and heavy chain deposition diseases), and Waldenstroem's macroglobulinemia. In the case of multiple myeloma, the coverage ranges from genomic aberrations and microRNAs to treatment for different patient groups, upcoming novel therapies, immunotherapy, and transplantation. The book reflects the significant research advances achieved in this field during the past few years, which have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of plasma cell dyscrasias.

In the age of the World Wide Web, informed patients continue to surprise oncologists with detailed questions about popular tumor therapies. Although minimally invasive tumor therapies (MITT) have become daily clinical practice for palliative treatment of liver tumors, the acceptance of these palliative modalities still varies enormously. In addition, promising results have been published for in situ ablation of lung metastases, bone tumors, and renal cell carcinoma. This book gives an up-to-date overview of the popular techniques and clinical results of MITT, with a clarification of the actual indications including the size, tumor entities, and clinical benefits. Moreover, the book focuses on the prospectives and limitations of imaging methods - ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging - used for MITT.

DNA tumor viruses have long been useful experimental models of carcinogenesis and have elucidated several important mechanisms of cell transformation. Re search in recent years has shown that human tumors have a multifactorial nature and that some DNA tumor viruses may playa key role in their etiology. The aim of this book is to assess our knowledge of DNA tumor viruses by reviewing animal models, mechanisms of transformation, association with human tumors, and possi bilities of prevention and control by vaccination. Animal models of tumor virology have contributed significantly to our under standing of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of virus-induced tumors. Bovine papillomaviruses induce papillomas in the intestine of cattle. The papillomas undergo a transition to carcinomas in cows feeding on bracken fern, which pro duces a toxin with radiomimetic and immunosuppressive functions. This example of cooperation between a virus and chemical carcinogens parallels the cooperative role of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) with environmental carcinogens in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Likewise, hepatocarcinomas appearing in woodchucks chronically infected by woodchuck hepatitis virus (WIN) provide strong support for the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and human hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, the fact that WIN DNA integrates closely to cellular oncogenes suggests a possible molecular mechanism for the tumorigenesis induced by HBV."

Each volume of Advances in Pharmacology provides a rich collection of reviews on timely topics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of drug action, both applied and experimental.

The dramatic decrease in the incidence of stomach cancer in industrialized countries during the past 50 years, which is yet to be fully explained, and the observation that carcinogenesis in laboratory animals can be inhibited by antioxidants, retinoids, and caloric restriction, among other influences, challenge us to press on in the search for practical means to prevent cancer. It is in relation to this goal that the studies summarized in this book have special significance. This book is based on the invited and contributed papers presented at the Third Internationai Conference on Anticarcinogenesis and Radiation Protection, held on October 15-21, 1989, in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. They cover a broad range of investigations into the mechanisms and inhibition of carcinogenesis. In keeping with recent advances in our understanding of the importance of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in carcinogenesis, many of the reports focus on mutations and related changes at the level of DNA. At the same time, however, other reports deal with nutritional, immunological, endocrinological, and epidemiological aspects. In all, the various reports address carcinogenesis and its inhibition at virtually every level of biological organization. Included in this compendium are timely reviews of diverse and promising research strategies for cancer prevention, as pursued by investigators in different parts of the world. The Organizers of the Conference are grateful to the many scientists who have contributed to the volume, as well as to the sponsors of the Conference, without whose generous support this book would not have been possible.

Vast therapeutic applications of the following specific stem cells in disease and tissue injury are discussed: embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, human hair follicle stem cells, bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, periodontal/progenitor cells, cancer stem cells, and breast cancer stem cells. Because human embryonic stem cells possess the potential to produce unlimited quantities of any human cell type, considerable focus is placed on this type of stem cells in this volume. The role of cancer stem cells, specifically in breast cancer is explained. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells to aid the injured brain is included. Immune recovery after stem cells transplantation in severe combined immunodeficiency patients is described. The role of mesenchymal stem cells in enhancing the growth and metastasis of colon cancer is discussed. Clinical application of human follicle stem cells is presented. Treatment of malignant gliomas using genetically-modified neural stem cells as a marker is discussed. The impact of cancer stem cell hypothesis on designing new cancer therapies is explained. In the field of regenerative medicine, the use of stem cells in the repair of the central nervous system, tendon injury, and as a cardiac regenerative medicine is described. The role of DNA methylation in maintaining stemness induced pluripotent stem cells from human extraembryonic amnion cells is discussed. Insights on the understanding of molecular pathways involved in tumor biology are explained, which lead to the development of effective drugs. Information on pathways, such as hedgehog, facilitates targeted therapies in cancer.

Cell based impedance sensing is becoming a new biophysical and cellular technology in cell based analyses. The technology has been used in investigation of cellular growth and death, cell adhesion and migration, cell invasion and cell-cell interactions, cell toxicity, angiogenesis, cell permeability, signal transduction and cellular behaviour under flow conditions. It is a probe free, highly sensitive, and versatile technology platform. Recent development in the technology has also allowed high throughput, automated analyses. It has been widely explored in chemistry, toxicity, cell biology, cancer biology, and other areas of chemistry, medicinal chemistry, life and medical science. Written by experts in the area of cell impedance sensing, including the Nobel Laureate Dr Ivar Giaever, this books covers the background of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, their applications in cell based investigations, particularly in the area of cancer biology. This book is the first on this technology platform and will be a highly useful reference for molecular and cell biologists, cancer biologists, chemists and biochemists, clinical researchers who work in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, pharmaceutical industry, life science and medical research.

The fight against breast cancer is expected to be effectively stimulated by interdisciplinary approaches and cross-fertilization between laboratory and clinical research findings. Of major importance are therefore meetings promoting fast transfer to clinical applications of findings by basic scientists. The present volume, reporting the proceedings of the 1991 Biennial Conference of the International Association for Breast Cancer Research, hopes to achieve this goal by presenting the most recent observations in the laboratory and their possible applications for diagnostic evaluations and clinical treatments. The sections of the book focus first on the oncogenes more likely involved in mammary tumorigenesis and on the polypeptide factors and steroid hormones affecting proliferation and possibly inducing carcinogenesis in breast epithelium. A section is devoted to the epidemiological studies and to the identification of risk factors, a way to select populations at higher risk and, possibly, to help in preventing the disease. Special emphasis is given to the establishment of diagnostic criteria and to the selection of prognostic factors, which must support an effective therapeutic planning. It is our hope that this volume, a timely update of the most recent advances in specific fields presented by basic scientists, pathologists and clinicians will stimulate new insights and progresses leading ultimately to the control of breast cancer.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is increasingly being used as first-line treatment for ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, it is difficult for the oncologist to find a definitive text that documents both the fundamental methods required to optimize therapy and the up-to-date results of phase I, II, and III clinical trials. With this in mind, the editors of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy have assembled a team of highly experienced clinicians and researchers to cover every aspect of the subject. The topics addressed include treatment principles, patient, drug, and catheter selection, administration guidelines, the role of hyperthermia, supportive care requirements, novel drugs, and the most recent results of clinical trials. This book will be an invaluable source of information for both practicing clinical oncologists and oncologists in training.

The study of immunology encompasses a vast and ever-growing body of information that in some way or other incorporates most areas of medical biological research. As the body of information in the medical sciences continues to increase its rate of expansion, one of the greatest challenges to investigators will be to integrate this information in a manner that is intellectually fruitful and productive. Considering the intended scope of this text, we could not pretend to have gone too far toward achieving such an integration--and considering the pace of change, in its very best form a measured approximation of such lofty goals might be the most we could hope for. Nevertheless, in these pages we have sought to produce a collection of information that is at once concise and up-to-date regarding areas where important developments are impacting on the way we understand the vertebrate immune system. In addition, although the information is geared toward advanced study, we have discussed some basic elements and concepts that we hope make the text a useful resource for both the immunologist and the nonspecialist. The intention is to provide the researcher, clinician, or advanced undergraduate student with a brief ov- view of specific components of the immune system, and to provide a place from which to begin further detailed study if necessary. To this end, we made every effort to supply extensive referencing--although limitations in space prevented exhaustive or complete referencing in some cases.

This text provides a comprehensive overview of orthopaedic oncology - the field of orthopaedic surgery that specializes in the evaluation and treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors of the musculoskeletal system. The opening chapters cover musculoskeletal imaging interpretation and the principles of musculoskeletal biopsy. Assessment and treatment of the full range of tumors are then described in a series of well-illustrated chapters. Detailed consideration is given to benign tumors, osteosarcomas, Ewing sarcomas, chondrosarcomas, metastatic bone disease of the axial and appendicular skeleton, and soft tissue sarcomas. This book will be invaluable for both orthopaedic surgeons and medical oncologists, providing a framework for understanding the fundamentals of these tumors and a sound basis for their treatment.

Pituitary adenomas account for 10-15% of all intracranial tumors and they frequently impair fertility. The development of medical and surgical therapy for such tumors has turned pregnancy into a reality for women harboring pituitary adenomas. However, gestation risks for both mother and fetus are still of concern for endocrinologists, gynecologists and pediatricians. This book intends to update knowledge on this topic, mainly regarding fertility restoration as well as gestational and post gestational management of patients with pituitary tumors.

With increasing numbers of reports on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of acoustic neuroma, standardization of reporting systems has become more and more important. For that purpose, the 11th Keio International Symposium for Life Sciences and Medicine, the Consensus Meeting on Systems for Reporting Results in Acoustic Neuroma, brought together researchers from Japan and other parts of the world. This volume is a compilation of papers from the symposium on standardization of evaluation and reporting systems for acoustic neuroma from such aspects as tumor size, facial nerve function, pre- and postoperative hearing, the effect of radiotherapy, and neurological symptoms. This unique book is a valuable reference for clinicians, researchers, and other professionals working in neurootology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, audiology, and related fields.

In our environmentally conscious society, reports of an increase in the risk of developing several cancers - including melanoma, lymphoma and lung cancer - have excited great controversy. Of these tumors, melanoma has demonstrated the most spectacular increase, generating a considerable body of research. The justification for this volume is found in the need for an up-to-date review of this research. The book represents a comprehensive review of both current research and clinical management of melanoma, arranged in such a way as to be maximally user-friendly to both the basic scientst and the clinician interested in this fascinating disease.

In this issue of Surgical Clinics, guest editor Dr. John M. Kane brings his considerable expertise to the topic of A Surgeon's Guide to Sarcomas and Other Soft Tissue Tumors. In 2021, more than 13,400 new soft tissue sarcomas will be diagnosed. This issue provides a timely update for management of the most common sarcomas, including discussions of pathology, imaging, chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction. Contains 13 relevant, practice-oriented topics including the implications of an unplanned sarcoma excision (the "Whoops" operation); the importance of preoperative pathology and the optimal biopsy of soft tissue masses; gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and the general surgeon; the evolving management of desmoid/aggressive fibromatosis; plastic surgery reconstruction of sarcoma resection defects; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on sarcomas and other soft tissue tumors, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer and Targeted Therapies discusses the current understanding of breast cancer tumor microenvironment components, their role in tumorigenicity and the development of therapeutic resistance, along with updates on recent advances.

One of the most exciting areas of cancer research now is the development of agents which can target signal transduction pathways that are activated inappropriately in malignant cells. The understanding of the molecular abnormalities which distinguish malignant cells from their normal counterparts has grown tremendously.
This volume summarizes the current research on the role that signal transduction pathways play in the pathogenesis of cancer and how this knowledge may be used to develop the next generation of more effective and less toxic anticancer agents.
Series Editor comments:
"The biologic behavior of both normal and cancer cells is determined by critical signal transduction pathways. This text provides a comprehensive review of the field. Leading investigators discuss key molecules that may prove to be important diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets."

Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium, held in Abano Terme (Padova), italy, June 29-July 2, 1987

In this issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, guest editors Drs. Sung-Yun Pai and Nirali N. Shah bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Gene-Based Therapies for Pediatric Blood Diseases. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as CAR T-cell therapy: current status; engineered T cells; NK-cell therapy; hemoglobinopathies: beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease; hemophilia A/B; primary immunodeficiencies; and more. Contains 14 relevant, practice-oriented topics including the evolution of gene therapy; viral vectors in hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy; gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells; nonintegrating vectors and engineered capsids; regulatory aspects of gene therapy; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on gene-based therapies for pediatric blood diseases, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Brain Neurosecretory Cytokines: Immune Response and Neuronal Survival summarizes the biological and chemical data of signal molecules of the brain neuroendocrine immune system, mainly proline-rich peptides, which play an important role in the regulation of immune response, neuronal survival, hematopoiesis, and adaptation. The author also describes the role of PRPs for the protection of neurons against neurodegenerative disturbances and diseases.
Brain Neurosecretory Cytokines: Immune Response and Neuronal Survival will be of great aid to the researchers and students in various areas of neurobiological profile (neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, neurophysiology, and endocrinology).

The decade of the 1990s will see an increasing emphasis on the modulation of chemotherapeutic drug selectivity and in the 'lock and key' approach to new targets to control malignant proliferation. The contents of this volume appropriately reflect these scientific undercurrents. An emerging powerful tool of molecular pharmacology is described by Holcenberg and Wu. Manipulation of genetic expression by modification of messenger RNA is now within our reach, and the basic concepts are suc- cinctly reviewed as a primer on future biochemical engineering of new anti- cancer molecules. Another concept that appears to be worthy of further study in both experimental and clinical chemotherapy concerns obs'ervations on the modulation of activity by the nucleoside transport inhibitor, dipyri- damole. How potentiation of several anticancer drugs occurs has practical, as well as theoretical, ramifications, discussed by Goel and HowelL Finally, O'Dwyer and La Creta present a fresh look at sensitization of chemotherapy by the hypoxic radiosensitizer, SR-2731.