An integrated overview of cancer drug discovery and development from the bench to the clinic, showing with broad strokes and representative examples the drug development process as a network of linked components leading from the discovered target to the ultimate therapeutic product. Following a systems biology approach, the authors explain genomic databases and how to discover oncological targets from them, how then to advance from the gene and transcript to the level of protein biochemistry, how next to move from the chemical realm to that of the living cell and, ultimately, pursue animal modeling and clinical development. Emerging cancer therapeutics including Ritux an, Erbitux, Gleevec Herceptin, Avastin, ABX-EGF, Velcade, Kepivance, Iressa, Tarceva, and Zevalin are addressed. Highlights include cancer genomics, pharmacogenomics, transcriptomics, gene expression analysis, proteomic and enzymatic cancer profiling technologies, and cellular and animal approaches to cancer target validation.

Analysis of multidirectional immunological responses at the tumor site allows forming a new concept of The Tumor Immunoenvironment, which is introduced and discussed in the present book with a particular focus on the role of immune cells in controlling the tumor microenvironment at different stages of cancer development. The main goal of this publication is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the complex and unique role of the immune system, tumor-associated inflammation and tumor-mediated immunomodulation in cancer progression in a way that allows understanding the logistics of cellular and molecular interactions in the tumor lesions.

Cancer Informatics: Essential Technologies for Clinical Trials describes the National Cancer Institute¿s vision of a Cancer Informatics Infrastructure (CII). By exploiting the best that the Internet and information technology have to offer, the CII will facilitate clinical trials, for all who are involved, including the patient along with the myriad of health professionals involved in cancer trials. To bridge the chasm between discoveries and best clinical practices, the editors describe the CII and how it can function to expedite the clinical trial life cycle, facilitate faster and safer drug development, and make more appropriate treatment choices available to cancer patients. Presented in four comprehensive sections edited by leading experts, the book highlights: ¿ E-commerce ¿ Digital libraries ¿ Standards development ¿ Public health informatics ¿ Common data elements (CDEs) ¿ Clinical trials information systems ¿ Consumer education and support Cancer Informatics: Essential Technologies for Clinical Trials is an indispensable guide to clinical trials. Its contributors speak to oncologists and primary care physicians, as well as researchers, trial managers, administrators, informaticians, and consumers. Today, science is extending our knowledge of genes, proteins, and pathways, and pharmaceutical companies are developing more and more new therapies. In this rapidly changing world, the technologies that cancer informatics provides are essential to efforts to translate cancer research into cancer care, control, and, ultimately, prevention. John S. Silva, M.D., Center for Bioinformatics, National Cancer Institute Marion J. Ball, Ed.D., Vice President, Clinical Solutions, Healthlink, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Christopher G. Chute, M.D., Dr.P.H., Professor of Medical Informatics, Head, Section of Medical Information Resources, Mayo Clinic Judith V. Douglas, M.A., M.H.S., formerly Associate, First Consulting Group Curtis P. Langlotz, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology, Epidemiology, and Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvannia Joyce. C. Niland, Ph.D., Chair, Division of Information Sciences, Director, Department of Biostatistics, City of Hope National Medical Center William L. Scherlis, Ph.D., Principal Research Scientist, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University

This book discusses the mechanisms leading to immune-mediated tissue rejection following the hypothesis that independent of the disease process the final effector mechanism is shared by most (but not all) pathologies and it is relatively simple. The book covers evidence gathered to support the thesis by studies performed in humans during rejection or in experimental models and will focus particularly (but not exclusively) on the analysis of the rejected tissue rather than the systemic circulation. Several disease processes are discussed including example of chronic inflammatory process without resolution of the pathologic process and acute one with resolution of the pathologic process (clearance of pathogen, rejection of tumor) or unwanted tissue destruction (allograft rejection, autoimmunity).

More often than not, progress in medicine occurs incrementally. The report of an 'important' new observation is typically greeted by a mixture of excitement and skepticism. Yet the true value of the discovery may not be known for several years until it is confirmed (or refuted) by independently conducted studies. In some cases, controversy may continue to shroud a topic due to the discordant results generated by different research groups. Since the last Gynecologic Oncology volume in the Cancer Treatment and Research series, a number of new areas have emerged that shed new light on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. In this volume of the Cancer Treatment and Research series, I have attempted to integrate articles that highlight some of these newest developments with chapters that provide an overview of selected areas of controversy. This volume is not meant to be an abbreviated text of gynecologic oncology but rather a collection of selected works that can provide the reader with a better perspective on the areas of change within the field. The application of molecular biology to cervical cancer has allowed us to understand more completely the roles of human papilloma viruses and cellular oncogenes in the development of cancer of the uterine cervix.

The fifth Annual Pezcoller Symposium entitled, Apoptosis, was held in Trento, Italy, June 9-1I, 1993 and was focused on the specific phenomena leading to Programmed Cell Death (PCD) or Apoptosis, and the mechanisms involved. With presentations at the cutting edge of progress and stimulating discussions, this Symposium addressed the genetics and molecular mechanisms determining PCD and the role of this suicidal process in cancer and the immune system. The functions of pS3, c myc and bel 2 in affecting apoptosis in different cell types and the role of ions and intracellular pH changes and that of intranuelear endonueleases are given particular emphasis as are the effects of anticancer agents, hormone imbalances and growth factors. The role of pS3, a tumor suppressor gene, in inducing PCD is discussed in detail as pertinent to hematological and non-hernatological tumors. The requirement of pS3 for the induction ofapoptosis by ionizing radiation or adenovirus oncoproteins is outlined. Decision points during the cell cyele affecting the cascade ofevents leading to PCD are discussed as is their role as "switches" under the control of c-myc and bel-2 proteins or the influence of cyele specific drugs. The concurrent requirement of multiple signals in determining apoptosis is emphasized. The examples of the role of PCD in the regulation of hematopoiesis, and in the generation of antigen-specific immune repertoire are illustrated.

This volume explores pericytes' roles under distinct pathological conditions, ranging from tumors, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis, muscular dystrophies and more. Together with its companion volumes Pericyte Biology in Different Organs and Pericyte Biology - Novel Concepts, Pericyte Biology in Disease presents a comprehensive update on the latest information and most novel functions attributed to pericytes. To those researchers newer to this area, it will be useful to have the background information on these cells' unique history. It will be invaluable for both advanced cell biology students as well as researchers in cell biology, stem cell biology and clinicians involved with these specific diseases.

This volume is unique in reporting on strategies for the application of molecular targeted imaging agents such as antibodies, peptides, receptors and contrast agents in the biologic grading of tumors, differential diagnosis of tumors, prediction of therapeutic response and monitoring tumor response to treatment. It also includes updated information on the imaging of tumor angiogenesis, hypoxia, apoptosis and gene delivery as well as expression in the understanding and utility of tumor molecular biology for better cancer management.

This second book of the three-volume collection "Ion Transport in Tumor Biology" helps readers gain comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiology of cancer. The authors highlight that ion transport proteins, channels and transporters - collectively referred to as the transportome - are significantly involved in the development and progression of cancer. Nearly 90% of malignant tumor diseases originate from epithelial cells, the function of which, for the most part, is based on the transportome. This volume focuses on molecular principles by showing that dysregulated expression and/or function of ion transporters have been correlated with malignancy in the vast majority of tumor diseases. Within the story of the various chapters, the authors line out various malfunctions of the transportome and where they can be found at different stages of the metastatic cascade. The authors describe how the interactions between the tumor cells' transportome and the environment reinforce mesenchymal behaviour of cancer cells and contribute to their uncontrolled proliferation, migration, invasion, intra- and extravasation up to the formation of metastases. As part of a three-volume collection, this book will fascinate members of the active research community, as well as clinicians from the cancer field.

This volume evaluates the carcinogenic risk to humans posed by infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs). To date, more than 70 HPV types have been identified, of which over 15 have been reported in cervical cancer biopsies. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. This book also considers the possible involvement of HPV infection in cancers at other sites of the human body.

Our recent understanding of the cellular and molecular defects and the regulation of the apoptotic signalling pathways has resulted in rationally designed anticancer strategies and the development of novel agents that regulates apoptosis. A comprehensive review of all apoptotic-related anticancer therapies is not the purpose of this book. However, in the volume of this book with 11 chapters, we have described a number of novel apoptotic regulators that have shown promising value and also great feasibility for cancer treatment. These novel agents either occur naturally or are chemically synthesized. While we are excited about the discovery and development of these novel apoptotic regulators as potential anticancer agents, a degree of caution should be always borne in mind when interpreting the success of preclinical pro-apoptotic candidates since potential problems inevitably lie ahead. These problems usually include target specificity, unanticipated toxicity, compound stability, formulation issues, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Nevertheless, we believe that this collection of 11 chapters by established leaders in the area of apoptosis will be of great interest to not only academics working in the field of cancer research and apoptosis but also pharmaceutical and pharmacological industries that . We are looking forward to the further development to push these potential agents toward clinical stage.

Brain metastases are the most dreaded complication of systemic cancer, affecting some 170,000 people a year, a far greater incidence than primary brain tumors. This book presents current information on the presentation and management of patients with brain metastases, providing available data, giving guidelines that can be applied in day to day practice, updated information for neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neuron-oncologists, and as an overview for physicians in training.

Offers comprehensive coverage of currently available cancer predictors, the most recent research on carcinogenicity, and the design and interpretation of carcinogenicity experiments. Presents mouse, rat, and human carcinogenicity data for the liver, kidney, breast, cervix, prostate, hematopoietic system, colon, skin, urinary bladder, mouth, stomach, thyroid, and pancreas.

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general oncology text books 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. 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, and 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, geni tourinary cancer, pediatric oncology, etc.; and 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."

Biostatistics is defined as much by its application as it is by theory. This book provides an introduction to biostatistical applications in modern cancer research that is both accessible and valuable to the cancer biostatistician or to the cancer researcher, learning biostatistics. The topical areas include active areas of the application of biostatistics to modern cancer research: survival analysis, screening, diagnostics, spatial analysis and the analysis of microarray data.
Biostatistics is an essential component of basic and clinical cancer research. The text, authored by distinguished figures in the field, addresses clinical issues in statistical analysis. The spectrum of topics discussed ranges from fundamental methodology to clinical and translational applications.

Over the past decade, techniques have been developed and implemented to observe metabolism noninvasively in localized regions of intact, living experimental animals and humans through the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). At the same time, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques developed in the 1970s and refined in this decade have been increasingly applied as a powerful clinical tool to probe human anatomy. Because of the unusual metabolic and physiologic characteristics of malignant tissues, oncology has been one of the primary focuses of the application of both MRS and MRI. Although considerable progress has been made in oncologic applications of magnetic resonance (MR), further research is needed to realize the full potential of MR in this area. Consequently, the 21st Annual Detroit Cancer Symposium entitled "Magnetic Resonance in Experimental and Clin ical Oncology" was organized to provide a forum for researchers in the field to report the state of the art of MRS and MRI in oncol ogy, to discuss future goals for MRS and MRI in oncology, and to define the research needed to meet those goals. The major emphasis of the symposium was on MRS due to both the recent widespread availability of clinical MRS instrumentation and the extensive amount of animal MRS research performed over the past half decade."

This book provides detailed information on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies for breast cancer. The first section of the book presents epidemiology, risk factors, histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and molecular subtypes of breast cancer based on the receptor status. It also discusses the association of breast cancer with other hormone-sensitive cancers. The second section of the book covers cover BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated breast carcinogenesis, early-stage progression of breast cancer, and noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer. It also discusses the role of epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis and explores these as the biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer therapy. Further, it discusses the role of fibrinolytic mechanisms and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The book also provides an update on oral poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to treat breast cancer. Finally, it offers potential new options for personalized therapies for breast cancer patients, including optimizing drug dosage and identifying genetic changes associated with cancer symptom occurrence and severity.

In the recent years, a significant amount of research has emerged connecting the link between alcohol and cancer. The field has rapidly advanced, especially since the complex connection between alcohol and cancer has several unique sub areas that are being investigated. This proceedings volume will contain chapters based upon the presentation of the 2nd International Conference on Alcohol and Cancer in Colorado, 2013. The various topics explore the affects of alcohol on: liver and breast cancer; cell signaling and cancer; stem cells; biomarkers and metabolomics; aerodigestive cancers; cancer and the immune system and more.

Breast cancer, being a disease with very high prevalence in the female population, has permanently attracted the attention of biologists, biochemists, pathologists, surgeons, and oncologists. In the U.S. alone approximately 120,000 new cases are diagnosed and 37,000 deaths a year are recorded as an outcome. Early diagnosis, clear cut prognosis and the hope of new therapeutic approaches has spurred the enthusiasm of researchers, who with the advent of newer methodologies, tried to employ it in different approaches to the breast cancer patient. In spite of the efforts devoted towards the creation of new approaches, reagents and procedures taking advantage of special characteristics of the breast tissue were slow to come. In general, most diagnostic and prognostic techniques were those shared and applied to other carcinomas. In the early seventies we discovered the first sets of antigens associated with breast epithelial tissue both in the mouse and the human. The recognition of such group of molecules, present in the milk fat globule membrane, gave impetus to several studies in these areas. These mammary cell surface antigens proved useful in several diagnostic approaches such as radioimaging, histochemical and serum assay procedures. However, the apparently inherent limitations of polyclonal antibodies reduced the impact of these novel approaches.

This book illustrates the importance of the Natural Biometabolites, which offer a rich reservoir of candidate compounds for drug discovery in the battle against cancer. Recent research and development efforts concerning anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products have led to the identification of numerous candidate molecules that inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis using a variety of mechanisms. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for cancer biologists and general oncologists alike, while also benefitting research professionals in Science, Nursing, Medicine, Biochemistry, Genetics and Bioscience who wish to understand the fundamentals of prognosis and prediction in tumorigenesis. Moreover, the book provides an essential platform for understanding drug resistance mechanisms and combatting the growing menace of multidrug resistance.

Encyclopedia of Cancer, Third Edition, Three Volume Set provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the multiple facets of the disease, including research, treatment and societal impact. This new edition comprises 180 contributions from renown experts who present the latest in Mechanisms, Hallmarks of Cancer, Causes of Cancer, Prevention and Control, Diagnosis and Therapy, Pathology and the Genetics of specific Cancers. Readers will find a comprehensive overview of the main areas of oncology, including etiology, mechanisms, prevention, and treatments, from basic science to clinical applications and public health, all set alongside the latest advances and hot topics that have emerged since the previous edition. Topics of interest in the field, including genomics and epigenomics, our understanding of the causes of cancer and the approaches to preventing it (e.g., HPV vaccination, role of obesity and nutrition, molecular markers of environmental exposures), new screening techniques (e.g., low-dose CT for lung cancer) and improvements in the treatment of many cancers (e.g., breast cancer, lung adenocarcinoma) are comprehensively and authoritatively presented.

Standardizing Pharmacology: Assays and Hormones, Volume Two in the Discoveries in Pharmacology series, presents selected articles from historic discoveries that are enhanced with commentary from contemporary scholars who present discussions on the importance of each chapter, along with an updated bibliography on the subject and contributions from a Nobel Prize winner and other pioneers in pharmacology. Academic and industry researchers in pharmacology and medicine, as well as advanced students will find this series a useful teaching tool and launch to new discoveries. Sections cover key discoveries in receptor theory, pharmacological methods and the development of hormone therapy, including J. Parascandola on the development of receptor theory, R.S. Yalow on radioimmunoassay, M. van Rossum and J.T L.A. Hurkmans on bioassays, M. Tausk on androgen therapy and C. Djerassi on oral contraceptives, with commentaries from experts such as T. Hoekfelt and V.C. Jordan.

This book serves a snapshot of the current knowledge base in field. As human papillomavirus (HPV) causes a rising number of oropharyngeal cancers, understanding the biological, clinical and social implications of this infection has become increasingly important for head and neck practitioners. This book reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the scientific and clinical questions involved in this disease. Experts in epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer present in-depth reviews which will help to improve the reader's understanding of this topic. The authors provide insight for answers of common patient and provider questions about HPV infection and related disease, and highlight remaining questions to be answered in the coming years.

This book covers the entire spectrum of thyroid diseases in childhood, focusing on the recent advances that have been achieved, from progress in basic science research through to novel or improved approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Introductory chapters discuss thyroid embryogenesis and the role of thyroid hormones in fetal development. The two contrasting forms of thyroid dysfunction, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, are then considered in depth, with particular attention to the molecular causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Among the other topics addressed are autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and pediatric neoplasms. The book concludes with an overview of promising therapeutic approaches, such as stem cell therapy. Each topic is treated by an eminent expert in the field, ensuring consistently high quality. Thyroid Diseases in Childhood will be an important source of information for endocrinologists, pediatricians, oncologists, and gynecologists, as well as other professionals interested in this topic.

This book encapsulates and occupies recent advances and state-of-the-art applications of nature-inspired computing (NIC) techniques in the field of bioinformatics and computational biology, which would aid medical sciences in various clinical applications. This edited volume covers fundamental applications, scope, and future perspectives of NIC techniques in bioinformatics including genomic profiling, gene expression data classification, DNA computation, systems and network biology, solving personalized therapy complications, antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens, and computer-aided drug design, discovery, and therapeutics. It also covers the role of NIC techniques in various diseases and disorders, including cancer detection and diagnosis, breast cancer, lung disorder detection, disease biomarkers, and potential therapeutics identifications.