This issue of the Urologic Clinics provides a timely update on Renal Cancer and the evolving treatment standards in urology.? Articles include Contemporary Imaging of the Renal Mass, Surgical Approach to Multifocal Renal Cancers, and Systemic Therapy Prior to Surgery.? Effects of the various existing surgical approaches on long-term renal function is also discussed, along with a review of the current trends in surgical management of renal cancers with specific attention to utilization of laparoscopic approach, partial nephrectomy, ablative technologies and observation.

Dr. Van Dam is an internationally recognized leader in gastroenterology and has been a leader in advances in intervedntional endoscopy. He brings this expertise to the topic of management of benign and malignant pancreatic disease and has selected top experts in the field to provide state-of-the-art clinical information to gastroenterologists. The modern management treatise of each article addresses current diagnostics as well as medical management. Seven articles are devoted to pancreatic cancer and span medical management, surgial mangament, radiologic imaging, endoscopic diagnosis, palliation, and screening. Other important topics addressed are pancreatic transplantation, pancreatic cystic neoplasms, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and autoimmune pancreatitis.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine includes the following topics: Detection of cancer biomarkers by cerium oxide nanoparticles; Quantum dot-based assays for cancer biomarkers; Monoclonal antibody conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for in vivo diagnosis of cancer; RNA quantification with gold nanoprobes for cancer diagnostics; Nanostructured silica materials for imaging in cancer; and Nanoparticle-based cancer cell sorting.

This issue of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics provides an update in Gynecologic Oncology.? Vulvar/Vaginal, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer are all covered, along with early detection and screening, and genetics and hereditary risk.? There is also an article on trends in cancer care in North America, which discusses cancer care and cost and sustainability as well as practice evloution.

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.

Topics include: Neoplastic Meningitis and Epidural Metastases: Evaluation and Management; Management of Brain Metastases: Surgery, Radiation, or Both?; Meningiomas/Nerve Sheath Tumors/Pituitary Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment; Medulloblastoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor and Germ Cell Tumors: The Uncommon but Potentially Curable Primary Brain Tumors; Primary CNS Lymphoma: Overview of Current Treatment Strategies; Anaplastic Gliomas: Radiation, Chemotherapy, or Both?; Low Grade Gliomas: When and How to Treat?; Glioblastoma Multiforme: Overview of Current Treatment and Future Perspectives.

This volume highlights recent developments in neuro-oncology that are not only increasing the survival rate of patients, but also improving their quality of life. Through an in-depth exploration of new therapies, including advanced diagnostic tools and a fresh perspective on molecular biology, immunology, and the clinical aspects of tumors, clinicians will gain a critical understanding of emerging therapies and techniques. Extensive coverage of tumor management and new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and molecularly targeted treatments are also explored, providing clinicians with new tools and tactics they can use to treat tumors of the nervous system.

Clinicians will find this handbook to be an invaluable resource for summarizing the present state of scientific and clinical knowledge in the field of neuro-oncology. In addition, practitioners in the field will uncover new tactics and therapies that will aid them in providing optimal neuro-oncological care for their patients.
* An invaluable resource that includes critical, in-depth insights into recent developments in neuro-oncology
* A fresh perspective on molecular biology, immunology, and other clinical aspects of tumors of the nervous system
* Extensive coverage of tumor management and new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and molecularly targeted treatments
* New tactics and therapies that will aid clinicians in their quest to provide optimal care for their neuro-oncological patients

Handbook of Clinical Neurology: Neuro-Oncology, Part II provides an overview of the most recent developments in the field of neuro-oncology, including new diagnostic imaging techniques, along with immunology, molecular biology, and clinical aspects of different types of tumors. It also considers management and new therapeutic strategies for tumors, such as gene therapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted treatments. Divided into five sections encompassing 33 chapters, the book begins with a description of specific tumor types such as low-grade gliomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, and medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, along with rare brain tumors like neurofibromatosis and other genetic syndromes. It then discusses tumors at special sites, from brainstem tumors to peripheral nerve tumors, tumors of the meninges, and optic, hypothalamic, and thalamic tumors. It also explains the neurological complications of systemic cancer and the adverse effects of some treatments. Clinicians and neuroscientists, as well as researchers who read this book, will gain a better understanding of the clinical features and management of the neurological manifestations of tumors.

The aim of this issue is to provide the thoracic surgeon with information about the staging and treatment of cancer to the mediastinal lymph nodes. The issue includes articles on the anatomy and physiology of the lymph nodes, imaging of the lymph nodes, and various techniques for diagnosing and dissecting the lymph nodes, including video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy.

Dr. Talpaz has assembled top experts to write state-of-the art reviews on the management of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Some of the articles that will be of most interest include Selection of Therapy: Rational Decisions Based on Molecular Events; Is There a Potential Cure for CML in Current Therapies?; Hurdles Toward a Cure for CML: The CML Stem Cell; The CML Stem Cell in the Chronic and Advanced Disease; CML Disease Progression; Management of Ph+ ALL and CML Blast Crisis; BMT in CML in the Era of Targeted Therapy; Pharmacoeconomics: The Cost of Staying Alive; and The Significance of CML Prognostic Factors in the Era of Targeted Therapy.

Topics for this issue will include: CLL: ? A Historical Perspective; Incidence & Epidemiology; Biology, Molecular Biology & Cytogenetics of CLL; What does the status of smatic hypermutations in IGVH genes tell us about the origin of CLL?; What does the status of ZAP-70 tell us about the biology of CLL?; and Approach to initial therapy: When to start therapy?

Natural History of Vestibular Schwannomas (includes histology, epidemiology); Clinical and Diagnostic Evaluation (includes cost effectiveness of imaging vs audiometry); Neurophysiological Correlates: Preoperative, Intraoperative and Postoperative - Facial nerve, Auditory function, Vestibular; Neurofibromatosis Type 2 and Genetics; Art of Management Decision Making: From Intuition to Evidence Based Medicine (includes analysis of various decision making strategies); Radiation Therapy and Radiosurgery: Indications, Techniques and Results (CK, GK, LINAC,etc...); Management of Radiation/Radiosurgical Complications and Failures; Retrosigmoid Approach: Indications, Techniques and Results; Translabyrinthine Approach: Indications, Techniques and Results; Middle Fossa Approach: Indications, Techniques and Results; Endoscopic Approach: Indications, Techniques and Results; Management of Surgical Complications and Failures; Chemotherapy: Present and Future (new trials of Avastin and similar drugs); Habilitation of Auditory and Vestibular Dysfunction (Baha, vestibular rehab, etc.); Habilitation of Facial Nerve Dysfunction (neural grafts, muscle transfers, etc...); Support Groups and Patient Resources (Acoustic Neuroma Association, Neurofibromatosis Society)

This volume will describe both growth-inhibitory and mucin-depleting effects of bromelain and N-acetylcysteine, on their own or in combination, in cancer. It will coherently review the pathophysiological aspects of the mucin glycoproteins in malignancies and provide an updated account of the status of bromelain and N-acetylcysteine in cancer therapy. The volume will develop the idea of using these two drugs as a combination formulation for mucin-depleting effects.

This issue serves as a comprehensive review and update in the management of the geriatric cancer patient. Topics covered include: Cancer and Aging, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Breast Cancer in the Elderly, Solid Tumors in the Elderly, Radiation Therapy with the Elderly, Liquid Tumors in the Elderly, Nursing and Palliation of Elderly Cancer Patients, Ethics and Religion in Care of the Elderly, and Surgery in the Elderly.

Management of the Patient at High Risk for Breast Cancer provides a state-of-the art review of patients who are at high risk for breast cancer, how to identify them, the tools available for risk assessment and quantification and indications for genetic counseling and testing. The book summarizes the high risk breast imaging options, including newest techniques and schedules. Pathologic evaluation of high risk lesions are featured as well as the management issues surrounding these lesions. The volume also covers the management of concomitant cancer risk and screening strategies. A concise, yet comprehensive overview of the current status of the topic, Management of the Patient at High Risk for Breast Cancer serves as a useful resource for physicians and researchers dealing with and interested in patients at high risk for breast cancer.

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 issue of Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, Guest Editor Mark Krasna and colleagues discuss a wide range of topics devoted to lung cancer.? Articles focus on pathology; updated staging systems; epidemiology of lung cancer - smoking, second hand smoke, and genetics; molecular markers for incidence, prognosis, and response to therapy; screening; diagnostic work-up; non-invasive staging techniques; surgical resection; the role of surgery following induction therapy for stage III NSCLC; the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC (stages I-III); and much more.

Topics for this issue will include: Epidemiology of RCC;New Insights into the Biology of RCC;Pathology of Renal Neoplasms;Imaging in RCC;Small Renal Tumors: Prognosis and Management;The Role of Surgery in the management of RCC: Nephrectomy and metastatectomy;Cytoreductive Nephrectomy: Rationale and current Applications;Adjuvant Therapies in RCC and Management of Side Effects from Current Therapies in RCC

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.

Carcinoma of the lung is one of the most prevalent and aggressive types of cancer, and rates of lung cancer are on the rise.? This issue gives a comprehesive review of the most recent advances in Lung Cancer.? Epidemiology, etiology, and prevention of lung cancer is first discussed, followed by articles on pre-invasive evaluation and management, screening, pathology and molecular biology.? There is an article on the approach to the ground glass nodule.? Of great importance is the revised staging classification of Lung Cancer, which is discussed here in detail.? Articles on PET imaging, interventional pulmonary, and functional evaluation before Lung Resection are also included.? The issue then focuses on advances in treatment for early stage lung cancer, hgih risk patients with early stage lung cancer, advances in the treatment of Advanced Stage Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer, and gene therapy for lung neoplasms.

This open access book is a step-by-step introduction on how shell scripting can help solve many of the data processing tasks that Health and Life specialists face everyday with minimal software dependencies. The examples presented in the book show how simple command line tools can be used and combined to retrieve data and text from web resources, to filter and mine literature, and to explore the semantics encoded in biomedical ontologies. To store data this book relies on open standard text file formats, such as TSV, CSV, XML, and OWL, that can be open by any text editor or spreadsheet application. The first two chapters, Introduction and Resources, provide a brief introduction to the shell scripting and describe popular data resources in Health and Life Sciences. The third chapter, Data Retrieval, starts by introducing a common data processing task that involves multiple data resources. Then, this chapter explains how to automate each step of that task by introducing the required commands line tools one by one. The fourth chapter, Text Processing, shows how to filter and analyze text by using simple string matching techniques and regular expressions. The last chapter, Semantic Processing, shows how XPath queries and shell scripting is able to process complex data, such as the graphs used to specify ontologies. Besides being almost immutable for more than four decades and being available in most of our personal computers, shell scripting is relatively easy to learn by Health and Life specialists as a sequence of independent commands. Comprehending them is like conducting a new laboratory protocol by testing and understanding its procedural steps and variables, and combining their intermediate results. Thus, this book is particularly relevant to Health and Life specialists or students that want to easily learn how to process data and text, and which in return may facilitate and inspire them to acquire deeper bioinformatics skills in the future.