This book aims to bring together clinical information on the biology, diagnosis, therapy and management of patients with inflammatory breast cancer. Authored by experts from the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia in Mexico, this book will provide the reader with the state-of-the art treatment of this rare but pernicious disease.

This volume discusses certain epigenetic changes recognized in early carcinogenic lesions and different tumors, as well as factors that alter the epigenome and epigenetic profile such as diet, alcohol, immunity, circadian rhythm, and more. The chapters in this book further delve into this field and cover topics such as epigenome-based precision medicine in lung cancer; interplay between genetic and epigenetic changes in breast cancer subtypes; genetic regulation of PDCD1 gene in cancer immunology; and pyrosequencing methylation analysis. 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 authoritative, Cancer Epigenetics for Precision Medicine: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource to help researchers and scientists identify these specific biomarkers and work towards the prevention, diagnosis, and prognosis of different cancers in the future.

The book is the first one published exclusively on the field of nutritional epidemiology of breast cancer. It summarizes the currently existing knowledge, with an updated and comprehensive international bibliography (~ 1.000 references). The authors also performed a review on the epidemiological studies on nutrition and breast cancer carried out in Uruguay between 1994 and 2011, which allowed exploring and identifying the main risk and protective factors for the disease in this high-risk country. Epidemiologists, Nutritionists, Public Health managers and breast specialists -from the prevention to the treatment fields - will find in this book a unique source of technical information, which will contribute in expanding their knowledge and view of the disease.

This book, written by experts from across the world, provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview covering all aspects of posterior fossa neoplasms in pediatric patients, including medulloblastoma, ependymoma, cerebellar astrocytoma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, chordoma, brain stem tumors, and rarer entities. For each tumor type, individual chapters are devoted to genetics, radiological evaluation using advanced imaging techniques, surgery, pathology, oncology, and radiation treatment. In addition, a separate section describes the various surgical approaches that may be adopted and offers guidance on the treatment of hydrocephalus and the role of intraoperative mapping and monitoring. Useful information is also provided on anatomy, clinical presentation, neurological evaluation, and molecular biology. The book closes by discussing in detail immediate postoperative care, the management of surgical complications, and longer-term rehabilitation and support. Posterior fossa tumors are the most common pediatric brain tumors but are often difficult to treat owing to their proximity to critical brain structures and their tendency to cause marked intracranial hypertension. Practitioners of all levels of experience will find Posterior Fossa Tumors in Children to be a richly illustrated, state of the art guide to the management of these tumors that will serve as an ideal reference in clinical practice.

This volume of Advances in Cancer Research begins with a "Foundations in Cancer Research" articles by Harold Varmus. He focuses on Andrew Lwoff who influenced a generation of scientists and how Dr. Lwoff's influence on Howard Temlin, in particular, led to the identification of the cause of AIDS. Hiroto Okayama and colleagues discuss the conserved control mechanisms of the G1 and G2 phases in fission yeasts and mammals, and the newly identified control genes. Nilis Mandahl presents the cytogenetic findings in bone and soft tissue tumors and introduces the major molecular genetic findings. Hannel Tapiovaara dn co-workers review plasmin generation at restricted areas of the cell surface and hypothesize that it may be a catalyst for tumor cells to metastasize. Noel Bouck et al. review the evidence suggesting that certain types of stimulations of inducers by activated oncogenes, and decreased production of inhibitors of angiogenesis, may be instrumental in enabling developing tumour cells to attract new cells and continue the malignant growth. Peter L. Stern reviews the role of immunity and the prospects for immune intervention in cervical neoplasia. Lastly, Denis J. Moss and his associates discuss the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) host-virus relationship and the immune control of EBV infections and examine development of vaccines and immunotherapy.

Various aspects, including diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis, of two brain tumors (meningioma and schwannoma) , of brain tumors are discussed in this volume. Insights on the understanding of molecular pathways involved in brain tumor biology are explained. For example, the role of E-cadherin gene instability, carbonic anhydrase 11, urokinase plasminogen activator, and Wnt signaling is discussed in detail. Such information will lead to the development of effective aniicancer drugs. The role of molecular genetics and epigenetic mechanisms in schwannomas is explained. Also, is explained the role of cyclin D1 in vestibular schwannoma. The determination of subtypes of meningiomas using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging is explained. Diagnosis of incidentally discovered meningioma and cystic papillary meningioma is also included. Diagnosis of facial nerve schwannoma, vestibular schwannoma, and intermediate nerve schwannoma is explained. Treatments for atypical meningioma, oncocytic meneingioma, intracranial meningioma, and cavernous are presented. Therapeutic methods such as neurosurgery, Gamma knife radiosurgery, and adjuvant radiation for this cancer are included. Large number of other treatments, including radiosurgery, retrosigmoidal craniotomy, and immunotherapy, for vestibular schwannoma patients are detailed.

Advances in Cancer Research provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Here, once again, outstanding and original reviews are presented on a variety of topics. This volume, number 124, covers emerging applications of molecular imaging to oncology, including molecular-genetic imaging, imaging the tumor microenvironment, tracking cells and vaccines in vivo, and more.

The difference among pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, and unipotent stem cells is pointed out. Vast therapeutic applications of the following specific stem cells in disease and tissue injury are discussed: human embryonic stem cells, human mesenchymal stem cells, germ cell-derived pluripotent stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells, breast tumor stem cells,and hematopoietic stem cells. Because of the potential of human embryonic stem cells to produce unlimited quantities of any human cell type, considerable focus is placed on their therapeutic potential. Because of their pluripotency, these cells have been used in various applications such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, pharmacological and toxicological studies, and fundamental studies of cell differentiation. The formation of embryoid bodies, which are three-dimensional aggregates of embryonic stem cells, is explained as this is the first step in cell differentiation. Such embryoid body culture has been widely used as a trigger for the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells. The basic capacity of self-renewal of human embryogenic stem cells is explained. The role of TGF-beta in the propagation of human embryonic stem cells is discussed. The differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neurons, hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, and retinal cells is fully explained. Donor policies for hematopoietic stem cells are also explained.

New research has shown that neuroendocrine tumors are more common than previously thought. Progress in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these not-so-rare cancers has resulted in renewed interest in developinginnovative therapeutic options. In particular, novel molecular targeted agents have been shown to have significant anti-tumor activity, and integration of these therapies has led to critical advances in management.

In this volume, an outstanding group of the world s leaders in the field have assembled to convey their knowledge of the epidemiology, biology, and management of allthemajor types of neuroendocrine tumors. The book takes a multi-modality approach to understanding disease processes and therapeutics, including chapters on medical and surgical treatment as well as a chapter devoted to imaging. Throughout, the authors emphasize recent advances in our understanding of molecular biology and the subsequent emerging therapeutic options.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease and overwhelmingly increasing experimental evidence has helped us to develop a deeper understanding of the role of signal transduction cascades in cancer development and progression. Tissue microarrays and next generation sequencing technologies have assisted us to gather missing pieces of jigsaw puzzle and we now know that deregulation of spatio-temporally controlled signaling cascades play fundamental role in metastasis and resistance against wide ranging therapeutics. This book offers a balanced overview of the rapidly emerging cutting edge research in molecular oncology and good source of knowledge for established oncologists, basic and medical students and pharmaceutical industry associated R&D departments.

X-ray imaging is a corner stone of breast cancer diagnosis. By exploiting the phase shift of X-rays rather than their attenuation, phase-contrast tomography has the potential to dramatically increase the visibility of small and low contrast features, thus leading to better diagnosis. This thesis presents research on the first synchrotron-based project developing a clinical phase-contrast breast computed tomography (CT) setup at Elettra, the Italian Syncrotron Radiation Facility. This book includes a comprehensive theoretical background on propagation-based phase-contrast imaging, exploring and extending the most recent image formation models. Along with theory, many practical implementation and optimization issues, ranging from detector-specific processing to setup geometry, are tackled on the basis of a large number of experimental evidences. Most of the modelling results and data analysis have general validity, being a valuable framework for optimization of phase-contrast setups. Results obtained at synchrotron are also compared with "real world" laboratory sources: both a first-of-its-kind comparison with one of the few hospital breast CT systems and a state-of-the-art implementation of monochromatic phase-contrast micro-tomography with a conventional rotating anode source are presented. On a more general level, this work sheds a light on the importance of synchrotron-based clinical programs, which are key to trigger the long-anticipated transition of phase-contrast imaging from synchrotrons to hospitals.

The existence of 'cancer stem cells' (CSCs) has been a topic of heated debate for the last few years within the field of cancer biology. Their continuous characterization in a variety of solid tumors has lead to an abundance of evidence supporting their existence. CSCs are believed to be responsible for resistance against conventional treatment regimes of chemotherapy and radiation, ultimately, leading to metastasis and patient demise. To help aid clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and academic labs investigating how to better kill these highly aggressive cells we have summarized the DNA repair mechanism(s) and their role in the maintenance and regulation of both normal and cancer stem cells. Our book represents a comprehensive investigation into the highly effective DNA repair mechanisms of CSCs and what we need to understand in order to develop more advanced therapies to eradicate them from patients. Currently, there are no other published works entirely on DNA repair and Cancer Stem Cells. In addition, our book provides a comprehensive overview of CSC isolation and characterization from a variety of solid tumor types.

In this volume Dr Hui has brought together a comprehensive overview of gestational trophoblastic disease that includes all the currently recognized entities: complete and partial hydatidiform moles, placental site trophoblastic tumor, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor, gestational choriocarcinoma, persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, placental site nodule and exaggerated placental site reaction. Each entity is reviewed in detail, with emphasis on genetic background, clinical presentation, pathologic findings and ancillary studies, differential diagnosis and clinicopathological correlations. Descriptions of the pathology are supported by numerous excellent photomicrographs. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetics of gestational trophoblastic diseases are stressed. Introductory chapters cover the developmental biology of the placenta and the genetic basis of gestational trophoblastic disease, and one chapter is devoted to the molecular diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease. This chapter includes a review of the use of short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping which is of particular value in the diagnosis of hydatidiform moles. The final chapter covers clinical aspects of gestational trophoblastic disease, including treatment. The text throughout is current and thoroughly referenced. This book will be of great value to pathologists, community gynecologists, gynecological pathologists and medical students.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Pancreatic cancer develops as a result of the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer-causing genes such as oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. The second edition of Pancreatic Cancer: Methods and Protocols provides a broad range of protocols for molecular, cellular, pathological, and statistical analyses of sporadic and familial pancreatic cancer. It covers topics from in-vitro cell cultures to in-vivo mouse models, DNA to protein manipulation, and genetic and epigenetic analyses to treatment development. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, written by highly renowned investigators with expertise in pancreatic cancer, Pancreatic Cancer: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is an invaluable source of proven protocols to those who are interested in joining the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Vegetables, Whole Grains and their Derivatives in Cancer Prevention looks in detail at the evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms of action of potentially cancer-preventive components and their sources from plant kingdom. The book covers current knowledge on certain foods and their constituents in cancer prevention, such as cruciferous and green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, tomato lycopene and carotenoids, alliums and their sulphur and selenium constituents, and capsaicinoids from chilli peppers. It focuses not only on single compounds but aims to widen the view by discussing a whole-diet approach in cancer prevention. A single component may lose its chemopreventive efficacy when isolated from the food matrix and in many cases isolated and concentrated components as supplements may actually induce tumor development. Apart from describing the effects and mechanisms of action, the chapters also contain information on intake, bioavailability, metabolism and possible toxic effects of foods and components presented. Evaluation and comparison of the data from mechanistic studies in vitro with those from animal experiments in vivo form a basis for applying the current knowledge to human nutrition in the field of carcinogenesis. With contributions from leading experts in the field, this book is an invaluable resource for scientists and professionals working in cancer research, as well as individuals involved in food and nutrition.

Based on the highly successful first edition of Prostate Biopsy: Indications, Techniques, and Complications, this new volume presents new concepts that have emerged in answer to current questions from its audience. Many new perspectives and technologies are presented, many from the authors' internationally recognized work on the topic. Substantial developments in techniques and complications are explored in detail. The chapter authors comprise a complete spectrum of specialists in their respective subject areas. All authors are internationally accepted as the premier authorities on their chosen topics. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: PSA, Biopsy, and Beyond presents new data on the controversial issue of PSA screening and thresholds as indication to perform biopsy. Office based transrectal saturation biopsy is covered in detail. Other topics explored include template guided biopsy and image-guided biopsy as well as a completely new paradigm for prevention of complications. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: PSA, Biopsy, and Beyond will be of great value and utility to all practicing urologists.

This volume covers the topics presented at the 3rd International Conference on Tumor Microenvironment and Cellular Stress by an international community of researchers. The conference brings together scientists to discuss different cellular and animal models of tumor microenvironment study and identify common pathways that are candidates for therapeutic intervention; stimulate collaboration between groups that are more focused on elucidation of biochemical aspects of stress biology (e.g., HIF regulation) and groups that study the pathophysiological aspects of stress pathways or engaged in drug discovery; and critically evaluate novel targets for imaging or therapeutic intervention that would be of use to the tumor microenvironment community and pharmaceutical industry.

This book introduces readers to the biology of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and emphasizes the necessity and importance of targeting LSCs in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. It addresses the role of leukemia stem cells in different leukemia diseases and molecular signatures, as well as the metabolic and epigenetic regulation of leukemia stem cell function. With regard to solid tumors, a significant number of blood cancers are believed to be derived from leukemia stem cells (LSCs), which are responsible for disease progression, relapse and drug resistance. Consequently, new therapeutic strategies need to be developed by focusing on the complete eradication of LSCs. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for graduate students and scientists in the fields of cell biology and cancer research etc.

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) treat postmenopausal estrogen receptor positive tumours, which constitute the majority of breast cancer patients. This comprehensive volume brings together the current knowledge from different relevant areas, including molecular mechanisms and translational aspects of drug resistance in AIs. Topics covered include research, experimental , and clinical data specifically focused on AI resistance in breast cancer. The volume will include three sections. The first section covers general knowledge about aromatase inhibitors, including regulation of aromatase genes, and structure and function of aromatase protein. The second section provides the detailed mechanisms of resistance to AIs, while the third section explores prediction of resistance and potential strategies to overcome resistance. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and AIs significantly improve treatments outcomes compatibly to previously used endocrine treatments. However 10-15% of post-operative patients develop a relapse during adjuvant treatment with AIs; about 25-50% of the patients do not respond to AIs in neo-adjuvant or metastatic setting, and the majority of metastatic patients who initially respond develop resistance within 3 years. There is an important need to understand these mechanisms of resistance in order to develop methods of preventing or overcoming the resistance to AIs, which will ensure a more successful outcome in treating breast cancer.