This book, written by key researchers in the field, provides a comprehensive analysis and overview of the state of the art of plasma-based cancer therapy. Recent progress in atmospheric plasmas has led to non-thermal or cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) devices with ion temperatures close to room temperature. In contrast to many existing anti-cancer approaches, CAP is a selective anti-cancer modality which has demonstrated significant potential in cancer therapy.Written by a global, cross-disciplinary group of leading researchers, this book covers basic theory, generation, diagnostics, and simulation of cold atmospheric plasma, as well as their clinical application in cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and future outlook, giving a complete picture of the field. It is meant for a broad audience, from students to engineers and scientists, who are interested in the emerging world of plasma medical applications. It presents recent advances, primary challenges, and future directions of this exciting, cutting-edge field.

This thesis describes the authors' pioneering efforts in the conceptualization and implementation of combined platinum-based immuno-chemotherapeutics, which represent a significant paradigm shift from the conventional approach of directly targeting cancer. The work described has opened up a rich and largely unexplored area for platinum-based drug design, and ultimately paves the way for superior immuno-chemotherapeutics with better clinical outcome for patients. Historically, the contribution of the immune system to chemotherapy outcomes has been neglected, as anticancer drugs were believed to be immunosuppressive. However, this has been challenged by contemporary evidence suggesting that many chemotherapeutics, including platinum-based agents, stimulate the innate and/or adaptive immune system and that these "secret allies" contribute tangibly to clinical outcomes. A multi-pronged immuno-chemotherapeutic approach not only shrinks tumors, but more importantly, reactivate dormant immune responses to malignancies, eliminating residual cancer cells.

Get a quick, expert overview of clinically-focused topics and guidelines that are relevant to testing for HER2, which contributes to approximately 25% of breast cancers today. This concise resource by Drs. Sara Hurvitz, and Kelly McCann consolidates today's available information on this growing topic into one convenient resource, making it an ideal, easy-to-digest reference for practicing and trainee oncologists. Covers the diagnosis, treatments and targeted therapies, and management of breast cancers that are HER2-positive. Contains sections on background and testing, advanced disease, therapeutics, and toxicity considerations. Includes a timely section on innovative future therapies.

Advances in Cancer Research, Volume 139, provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Original reviews are presented on a variety of topics relating to the rapidly developing intersection between nanotechnology and cancer research, with unique sections in the new release focusing on Exosomes as a theranostic for lung cancer, Nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy, Ultrasound imaging agents and delivery systems, Dendronized systems for the delivery of chemotherapeutics, Thermosensitive liposomes for image-guided drug delivery, Supramolecular Chemistry in Tumor Analysis and Drug Delivery, Gold nanoparticles for delivery of cancer therapeutics, and Single cell barcode microchip for cancer research and therapy.

Following the Third Alcohol and Cancer Conference, this volume compiles the most up-to-date research on the role of alcohol consumption in carcinogenesis, from epidemiology to pathology metabolism and stem cells. More specifically, it delves into the effects of alcohol consumption and thyroid cancer, CD133+ progenitor cells, carcinogenic iron accumulation, developmental morphogens, and cancer-inducing epigenetic changes. Alcohol and Cancer: Proceedings of the Third International Conference is a timely update to Biological Basis of Alcohol-Induced Cancer, which followed the Second Alcohol and Cancer Conference, compiling cutting-edge research from graduate students, young scientists, and researchers. It is ideal for graduate students and researchers in oncology, hepatology, epigenetics, and alcohol consumption.

This book illustrates the importance and significance of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of various human diseases. The book initially introduces the phenomenon of oxidative stress, basic chemical characteristics of the species involved and summarizes the cellular oxidant and anti-oxidant system and the cellular effects and metabolism of the oxidative stress. In addition, it reviews the current understanding of the potential impact of oxidative stress on telomere shortening, aging, and age-related diseases. It also examines the role of oxidative stress in chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Further, the book presents novel technologies for the detection of oxidative stress biomarkers using nanostructure biosensors, as well as in vitro and in vivo models to monitor oxidative stress. Lastly, the book addresses the drug delivery carriers that can help in combating oxidative stress.

This book provides a state-of-the-art compendium on the role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans during development and in cancer. It also suggests directions for novel therapeutic and biotechnological applications in stem cell biology. Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, as part of the extracellular matrix, are multifunctional modulators of growth factor, cytokine, integrin and morphogen signaling, which determine both self-renewal, senescence and/or differentiation of stem cells during development. Since proteoglycans modulate cell adhesion and migration they are important organizers of the extracellular matrix within the proper stem cell niche. A malfunctioning of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans contributes to the cancer stem cell phenotype, which is linked to therapeutic resistance and recurrence in malignant disease. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the extracellular matrix and its role in development. The series Biology of Extracellular Matrix is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology.

Get a quick, expert overview of the many key facets of lung cancer evaluation and management with this concise, practical resource by Drs. Lynn T. Tanoue and Frank Detterbeck. This easy-to-read reference presents a summary of today's best evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and management in this critical area.

Lung cancer is the neoplastic disease with the highest mortality numbers in the world. The disease is very common in industrialized countries. This textbook synthesizes the basic science of lung cancer with state-of-the-art accounts of diagnosis and treatment. Written by a distinguished panel of experts from Europe, Asia, and North America, it covers all of the most important fields: biology, pathology, epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, therapy, supportive care, and prognosis. All physicians caring for patients with lung cancer, especially surgeons, chest physicians, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, will find a wealth of information that meets their needs. Whenever possible, the principles of evidence-based medicine are followed by providing data from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, methodology-based guidelines, and randomized clinical trials.

The high rate of urbanization and a steady increase in per capita income has improved the socio-economic status of people all over the world. This has resulted in drastic changes in their lifestyle and food consumption patterns, where traditional foods are being replaced with more ready-made junk foods with few servings of fresh vegetables and fruits. It has been postulated that industrialization has caused change in food choice, dietary pattern modification and resulted in a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, contaminated foods with unsafe microbes and chemical hazards are increasing. All of these events have resulted in an increased risk of cancer, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. This book will provide a basic understanding of cancer, its risk factors, preventive measures, and possible treatments currently available, as well as identifying the different dietary factors that might synergize with a sedentary lifestyle in the etiology of cancer, and its prevention measure.

Over a period of almost 10 years, the work of the Project on Death in America (PDIA) played a formative role in the advancement of end of life care in the United States. The project concerned itself with adults and children, and with interests crossing boundaries between the clinical disciplines, the social sciences, arts and humanities. PDIA engaged with the problems of resources in poor communities and marginalized groups and settings, and it attempted to foster collaboration across a range of sectors and organizations. Authored by medical sociologist David Clark, whose research career has focused on mapping, archiving and analyzing the history and development of hospice, palliative care and related end of life issues, this book examines the broad, ambitious conception of PDIA - which sought to 'transform the culture of dying in America' - and assesses PDIA's contribution to the development of the palliative care field and to wider debates about end of life care within American society. Chapters consider key issues and topics tackled by PDIA grantees which include: explorations of the meanings of death in contemporary American culture; the varying experiences of care at the end of life (in different settings, among different social and ethnic groups); the innovations in service development and clinical practice that have occurred in the US in response to a growing awareness of and debate about end of life issues; the emerging evidence base for palliative and end of life care in the US; the maturation of a field of academic and clinical specialization; the policy and legal issues that have shaped development, including the ethical debate about assisted suicide and the Oregon experience; the opportunities and barriers that have been encountered; and the prospects for future development. A final chapter captures developments and milestones in the field since PDIA closed in 2003, and some of the challenges going forward.

Lipids are an integral part of cell membrane architecture, are intermediaries in cell metabolism, and are involved in transmitting cell signals from hormones, growth factors and nutrients. A number of lipases and phospholipases, lipid kinases, lipid phosphatases, sphingosine kinases, and their reaction products have been implicated in fundamental cellular processes including cell proliferation, division and migration. These enzymes and their products underlie the molecular mechanisms of numerous human diseases, in particular metabolic disease (diabetes), cancer, neurodegenerative disease and cardiovascular disease. Over the last decade, studies have advanced to the point that a number of inhibitors for these enzymes have been developed to attempt to ameliorate these conditions; some of the inhibitors are currently in human clinical trial. The need for this book is to review the current status of this field and the prospect for the inhibitors to be clinically important.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics, edited by Dr. Janet Abrahm, focuses on Pain Control. Topics include, but are not limited to, Complex pain assessment; Evidence-based non-pharmacologic therapies; Non-opioid pharmacologic therapies; Opioid caveats, newer agents, and prevention/management of side effects and of aberrant use; Cancer pain syndromes; Agents for neuropathic pain RX; Mechanism of and Adjuvants for bone pain; Interventional anesthetic methods; Radiation therapy methods; Rehabilitation methods; Psychological treatment; Spiritual considerations; Pain in patients with SS diseases; and Pain in HSCT patients.

Nitric Oxide as a Chemosensitizing Agent, Volume One is the first book to describe several reviews by authoritative scientists and clinicians on novel findings in the reversal of drug resistant cancers by the combination treatment of Nitric Oxide and sub toxic concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs that have been reported in both in vitro, in vivo and preclinical models. The book describes the various underlying chemical, molecular and genetic mechanisms by which NO and NO reactive species mediate the anti-cancer activity, thus reducing the threshold of drug resistance and enabling chemo therapeutic drugs to induce their cytotoxic activity and reversal of resistance. This book exposes scientists and clinicians to this highly beneficial topic for research investigations and pharmaceutical companies to new avenues for R&D. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists and members of several areas of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to use Nitric Oxide as a sensitizing agent for chemotherapy.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Chemoresistance to Cancer, Volume Two, focuses on nutraceuticals, the compounds derived from natural sources, which are usually multi-targeted as a means to overcome chemoresistance. This book discusses the role of several compounds related to nutraceuticals and chemoresistance, such as curcumin, resveratrol, indole 3-carbinol, tocotrienols, ursolic acid, fisetin, celastrol, gambogic, butein, catechins and silymarin. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists and members of several areas of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to use nutraceuticals as a sensitizing agent for chemotherapy.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to study tumor immunology. The chapters in this book detail methodologies for functional analysis and expansion of T lymphocytes for cancer research. The chapters also cover topics such as how single-cell RNA-sequencing can be exploited to dissect immune cell heterogeneity and precursors; isolating and expanding natural killer (NK) cells; evaluating NK cell-mediated anti-tumor killing activity in vitro; immunosurveillance orchestrated by specific immune subsets; use of HLA peptidomics for cancer-exome based identification of tumor neo-antigens; gold standard assessment of immunogenic cell death in oncological mouse models and methods to look at the therapeutic relevance of immune modulation in cancer. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Cancer Immunosurveillance: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource to aid researchers in better understanding and experimenting in this exciting and developing field.

This volume explores the role of proteases in various catalytic classes and cellular processes associated with cancer. The chapters in this book cover topics such as encoding proteolytic enzymes, cleavage sites of proteases, functional catalytic domains of MMPs, zymography, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, genetic and epigenetic alterations of metallopeptidases, and methods to target metalloproteinases. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting edge, Proteases and Cancer: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for clinical researchers across numerous fields such as molecular and cellular biology, oncology, biochemistry, and chemistry. This book is also useful for PhD students in the various disciples of health sciences.

Targeting Cell Survival Pathways to Enhance Response to Chemotherapy encompasses recently developed molecular targeting agents and approaches that suppress cell survival signaling. Cell survival signaling attenuates the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy and numerous mechanisms have been described, and continue to be described, which contribute to cell survival in the face of chemotherapy treatment. Key pathways leading to chemoresistance emanate from growth factor receptors, PI3K, STAT3, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, autophagy, and the DNA damage response pathway. New advances have underscored the potential of targeting each of these cell survival mechanisms to improve responsiveness to chemotherapy. This book reviews these recent advances and provides a foundational background and hints of new opportunities for basic, translational, and clinical investigators focused on improving therapeutic responses to chemotherapy.

Cancer genetics is a quickly growing field within oncology. The ability to identify individuals at high risk for cancer improves the chance of early prevention and detection of cancer. The results of genetic testing affect quality of life, employment, and ability to be insured. This volume provides an overview of cancer genetics, inherited cancer susceptibility, and available services and testing, including both the risks and benefits of testing. Some of the topics covered include: genetics of breast and ovarian cancer; testing minors for inherited cancer risk; chemoprevention of heritable cancer risk; genetics of colorectal cancer; insurance issues in genetic testing for cancer; ethical and legal issues in genetic testing for cancer susceptibility; testing for breast cancer risk in the Ashkenazim; estimating individualized risk of breast cancer; genetic counselling for the individual with inherited cancer susceptibility; and components of a genetic cancer risk clinic.

This book presents a range of current research topics in biological network modeling, as well as its application in studies on human hosts, pathogens, and diseases. Systems biology is a rapidly expanding field that involves the study of biological systems through the mathematical modeling and analysis of large volumes of biological data. Gathering contributions from renowned experts in the field, some of the topics discussed in depth here include networks in systems biology, the computational modeling of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and systems biology of cancer. Given its scope, the book is intended for researchers, advanced students, and practitioners of systems biology. The chapters are research-oriented, and present some of the latest findings on their respective topics.