With cancer-related deaths projected to rise to 10.3 million people by 2020, the need to prevent, diagnose, and cure cancer is greater than ever. This book presents readers with the most up-to-date imaging instrumentation, general and diagnostic applications for various cancers, with an emphasis on lung and breast carcinomas--the two major worldwide malignancy types. This book discusses the various imaging techniques used to locate and diagnose tumors, including ultrasound, X-ray, color Doppler sonography, PET, CT, PET/CT, MRI, SPECT, diffusion tensor imaging, dynamic infrared imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It also details strategies for imaging cancer, emphasizing the importance of the use of this technology for clinical diagnosis. Imaging techniques that predict the malignant potential of cancers, response to chemotherapy and other treatments, recurrence, and prognosis are also detailed.
Concentrates on the application of imaging technology to the diagnosis and prognosis of lung and breast carcinomas, the two major worldwide malignancies
Addresses the relationship between radiation dose and image quality
Discusses the role of molecular imaging in identifying changes for the emergence and progression of cancer at the cellular and/or molecular levels"

While many comprehensive texts have been written on the treatment of breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, there are relatively few which cover in depth the prevention and early detection of the disease. The goal of this work is to present what experts in the ?eld feel is the current knowledge and future direction of breast cancer prevention and early detection. We begin Part I of the book with a review of risk factors, both genetic and environmental. We next review progress in the use of chemoprevention. Notably, chemoprevention risk reduction studies have led to FDA approval of two medications which measurably reduce disease incidence among women at increased risk, although with some risk of treatment related side effects. Newer agents in the pipeline, which may also reduce risk among normal risk women, are also discussed. Surgical risk reducing strategies complete the section on prevention, including both the bene?ts and downsides to this more aggressive approach. Even with aggressive prevention strategies, some women will develop breast cancer. For these women, early detection is critical to minimize disease spread and maximize long term survival. Part II of this book reviews current and upcoming approaches to early detection. Imaging strategies, including mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, and PET imaging are reviewed. The potential for molecular tumor targeting to detect disease prior to the formation of a mass visible by anatomic imaging is presented.

High-fidelity chromosomal DNA replication underpins all life on the planet. In humans, there are clear links between chromosome replication defects and genome instability, genetic disease and cancer, making a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genome duplication vital for future advances in diagnosis and treatment. Building on recent exciting advances in protein structure determination, the book will take the reader on a guided journey through the intricate molecular machinery of eukaryotic chromosome replication and provide an invaluable source of information, ideas and inspiration for all those with an interest in chromosome replication, whether from a basic science, translational biology and medical research perspective.

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells. They have an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book on sphingolipids provides insights into the basics of sphingolipid biology and drug development, with a particular emphasis on the sphingolipid derivative ceramide. In the first part basic functions of sphingolipids are described, as well as the genetics of important enzymes, sphingolipid metabolism and synthesis. The second part of this first volume focuses on drug development and pharmacology. The book is intended for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians working in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease. Together with Volume 216 by the same editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on sphingolipids, providing information on both sphingolipids basic biology (including synthesis, metabolism and cell biology) and their important function in a (patho-)physiological context."

This book discusses the molecular, biological, pathological, and clinical aspects of melanoma, with special emphasis in the new concepts of melanoma genetics. A multidisciplinary group of experts in Genetics, Dermatology, Pathology, and Melanoma Medical Oncology contribute state-of-the-art knowledge in melanoma research and clinical management, not only exposing the current status of knowledge of the topics but also providing their personal experiences and ideas about the future and potential practical application of the genetic aspects of melanoma. During the last few years we have witnessed an impressive amount of discoveries in the field of melanoma genetics which have changed our approach in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of this lethal disease. Genetics of Melanoma is a practical approach to melanoma genetic mechanisms and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of this malignancy. It is an essential source of updated information and a powerful tool for clinicians, pathologists, and basic scientists who wish to understand, apply, and investigate the multiple new aspects of melanoma genetics.

A panel of leading investigators summarizes and synthesizes the new discoveries in the rapidly evolving field of histone acetylation as a key regulatory mechanism for gene expression. The authors describe what has been learned about these proteins, including the identification of the enzymes, the elucidation of the enzymatic mechanisms of action, and the identification of their substrates and their partners. They also review the structures that have been solved for a number of enzymes-both alone and in complex with small molecule inhibitors-and the biological roles of the several histone deacetylases (HDAC) genes that have been knocked out in mice.

This volume contains the main proceedings of the fourth international conference on "Cancer Prevention 2006," which was held during February 16 18, 2006, in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Written by international experts in the field, the book comprises a comprehensive update on the most recent developments in the upsurging fields of molecular biology and cancer genetics and their interactions with clinical epidemiology and cancer prevention at various levels.

The future of oncology seems to lie in Molecular Medicine (MM). MM is a new science based on three pillars. Two of them are evident in its very name and are well known: medical science and molecular biology. However, there is a general unawareness that MM is firmly based on a third, and equally important, pillar: Systems Biomedicine. Currently, this term denotes multilevel, hierarchical models integrating key factors at the molecular, cellular, tissue, through phenotype levels, analyzed to reveal the global behavior of the biological process under consideration. It becomes increasingly evident that the tools to construct such complex models include, not only bioinformatics and modern applied statistics, as is unanimously agreed, but also other interdisciplinary fields of science, notably, Mathematical Oncology, Systems Biology and Theoretical Biophysics.

The American Cancer Society recently estimated that about 45,000 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with three-quarters occurring in women. The overall 5-year survival rate is about 97%, making it one of the least lethal cancers. We are experiencing an epidemic of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, in part due to the widespread use of imaging modalities that detect thyroid nodules and microcarcinomas. Concurrently, there have been a number of recent advances in surgical treatment, as well as diagnostic modalities that allow us to detect small amounts of residual local and metastatic disease. Additionally, a reexamination of past treatment regimens has led to new recommendations regarding the use of radioactive iodine, and to new therapeutic options, such as targeted therapy which have supplanted the use of more toxic chemotherapy for metastatic cancer. Multiple academic organizations have developed consensus guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer, occasionally with conflicting recommendations. In Thyroid Cancer, a renowned group of authors presents a broad overview of the pathology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of thyroid cancer, with an emphasis on recent evidence-based information. State-of-the-art and a significant contribution to the literature, Thyroid Cancer is an invaluable reference for endocrinologists, oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiation oncologists, primary care physicians, and surgeons who deal with head and neck cancer.

In Apoptosis and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, expert researches in the field detail the performance of molecular and cellular biology techniques for studying and detecting the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Chapters focus on assays developed to detect its activation not only in vitro but also in vivo, optimized multiplex analysis, medium- to high-throughput screens, and the cellular process. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Apoptosis and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aids scientists as a stand-alone resource for the execution and analysis of the described protocols and as a reference for the study and detection of apoptosis within and outside the area of cancer research.

The mature T and NK cell lymphomas are rare, comprising approximately 10% of all malignant lymphomas. The incidence of T- cell lymphoma is variable around the world, with a higher incidence compared to B-cell lymphomas in the Asian basin. While the overall incidence of B-cell lymphomas has begun to decline in the United States, the incidence of T-cell lymphomas continues to rise. Over the last decade, a number of novel agents have been developed which target T-cell lymphomas and studies have identified novel genes and pathways associated with lymphomagenesis in T-cells. This comprehensive volume examines the clinical and biological aspects of the T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders in adults and children. The book includes an overview of both the cutaneous and the systemic T-cell malignancies and addresses the classification of T-cell lymphomas, the clinical features of each subtype, and the relevant molecular and genetic studies. Clinical outcomes and treatment strategies are discussed with an emphasis on the development of novel biological and targeted therapies. An outstanding resource for hematologists and oncologists, this book gathers insights from experts in the field and provides the most up-to-date information on all of the T-cell lymphoma subgroups and current and emerging therapies.

Cancer continues to be a growing problem as it is the foremost cause of death worldwide, killing millions of people each year. The number of people battling cancer continues to increase, owing to different reasons, such as lifestyle choices. Clinically, determining the cause of cancer is very challenging and often inaccurate. Incorporating efficient and accurate algorithms to detect cancer cases is becoming increasingly beneficial for scientists in computer science and healthcare, as well as a long-term benefit for doctors, patients, clinic practitioners, and more. Specifically, an automation of computation in machine learning could be a solution in the next generation of big data science technology. Machine Learning in Cancer Research With Applications in Colon Cancer and Big Data Analysis presents algorithms that have been developed to evaluate big data approaches and cancer research. The chapters include artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches, as well as case studies to solve the predictive issues in colon cancer research. This book includes concepts and techniques used to run tasks in an automated manner with the intent to improve better accuracy in comparison with previous studies and methods. This book also covers the processes of research design, development, and outcome analytics in this field. Doctors, IT consultants, IT specialists, medical software professionals, data scientists, researchers, computer scientists, healthcare practitioners, academicians, and students can benefit from this critical resource.

Pelvic Cancer Surgery: Modern Breakthroughs and Future Advances brings together the three main pelvic specialties (Urology, Gynecological Oncology and Colorectal Surgery) into one volume. Patients have been shown to benefit from a multidisciplinary approach since it allows surgeons of different specialties to learn from one another therefore enhancing the treatment for the patient. Pelvic cancer outcomes are poor in low volume centres. These centres account for 80% of the global centres dealing with these cancers. Pelvic Cancer Surgery: Modern Breakthroughs and Future Advances is a much needed book that can focus training and assist health professionals in their care of patients with pelvic dysfunction. Pelvic Cancer Surgery: Modern Breakthroughs and Future Advance is complete with full color illustrations and schematic diagrams and makes use of key points and stepwise figures for an enhanced learning experience.

Combined modularized therapies for metastatic cancer are pointing to central problems of communication among 'systems participators'. A communication theory explains 'social engineering', endogenously induced or by implementing non-normative boundary conditions. Evolution-adjusted tumor pathophysiology is borne by an evolution theory, which contrasts narrative evolution histories. The tool of rationalizations constituting the tumor's normativity (inflammation, immune response etc.) represents the non-genomic counterpart of the tumor genome and should be additionally assessed during tumor staging. Evolution-adjusted tumor pathophysiology allows implementing applied systems biology, a novel clinical and pharmaceutical technology for bioengineering tumor response and personalizing tumor therapy. Combined modularized therapy, evolution-adjusted tumor pathophysiology, and 'universal' biomarkers concertedly address genetically based tumor heterogeneity.

This topical volume provides an overview of clinically relevant data on anticancer agents. It is not only intended medical doctors working with cancer patients, and for medical researchers and students. The different classes of anticancer drugs are described by international authorities on the various topics. Apart from new targets for anticancer agents, attention is also focused on improving efficacy and tolerability of existing compounds.

The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. A very special event the Nobel Minisymposium, "Molecular Oncology - From Bench to Bedside," held at the Karolinska Instituet, in Stockholm, Sweden, was marked the celebration of George and Eva Klein's combined 160th birthday. To honor this occasion, this 2nd of two volumes brings together contributions by their former students, colleagues and collaborators of the past fifty years into a volume of Advances in Cancer Research dedicated to George and Eva. Over a decade ago, a subdivision of ACR called "Foundations in Cancer Research" was initiated and the tributes honoring the Kleins' bodies of work presented at the minisymposium are especially appropriate for the series.

Held at the Karolinska Instituet, in Stockholm, Sweden, a recent Nobel Minisymposium, " Molecular Oncology From Bench to Bedside, " marked a very special event the celebration of George and Eva Klein s combined 160th birthdays. To honor this occasion, Volume 97 of Advances in Cancer Research brings together a collection of contributions by their former students, colleagues, and collaborators from the past fifty years dedicated to George and Eva Klein. Over a decade ago, the editors of ACR initiated a subdivision of the series called " Foundations in Cancer Research " to distinguish chapters that reflect extraordinary and historical developments in cancer research this volume of tributes honoring the Kleins bodies of work presented at the minisymposium are especially appropriate for the series and should serve as an important resource for future generations.

This book covers the scope of current knowledge of cancer in the LGBT community across the entire cancer continuum, from understanding risk and prevention strategies in LGBT groups, across issues of diagnosis and treatment of LGBT patients, to unique aspects of survivorship and death and dying in these communities. Each chapter includes an in depth analysis of the state of the science, discusses the many remaining challenges and unanswered questions and makes recommendations for research, policy and programmatic strategies required to address these. Focus is also placed on the diversity of the LGBT communities. Issues that are unique to cancer in LGBT populations are addressed including the social, economic and cultural factors that affect cancer risk behaviors, barriers to screening, utilization of health care services, and legislation that directly impacts the health care of LGBT patients, healthcare settings that are heterosexist and unique aspects of patient-provider relationships such as disclosure of sexual orientation and the need for inclusion of expanded definition of family to include families of choice. The implications of policy change, its impact on healthcare for LGBT patients are highlighted, as are the remaining challenges that need to be addressed. A roadmap for LGBT cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, survivorship, including treatment and end of life care is offered for future researchers, policy makers, advocates and health care providers.

Lymphomas are lymphoid malignancies derived from B or T lymphocytes, and their study has been and still is paradigmatic for many aspects of cancer research. Lymphoma: Methods and Protocols presents and discusses key methods that are used in lymphoma research, partly specific for lymphoma research but often adaptable to the study of other cancers. By covering a broad variety of methods used in lymphoma research, this book will be of interest not only for hematologists, hematopathologists, and immunologists but also for scientists interested in other fields of cancer research as well as human genetics. 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Versatile and cutting-edge, Lymphoma: Methods and Protocols serves researchers studying human physiology with the ultimate goal of understanding and controlling these often terrible diseases.

Numerous studies have shown that elevated levels of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood of cancer patients are associated with poor response to treatment and inferior survival probabilities. Despite this clinical significance, the molecular biology of CTCs remains poorly understood. The paucity in molecular information can be attributed to the tremendous technical challenges involved in isolating these extremely rare cells. Recent technological advancements in rare-cell technology, however, have allowed for the reliable enrichment and isolation of CTCs. Consequently, the use of recently developed molecular approaches -e.g., multiplexed QPCR, microarray, and next generation sequencing analyses- to profile CTCs have provided novel insights into the molecular makeup of these tumor cells. This book discusses approaches for enrichment and isolation of CTCs as well as recent advances in comprehensive molecular profiling of CTCs using cutting-edge omics technology.

Among malignant tumors, adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction show the highest increase in incidence over the past three decades in Western industrialized countries. This special volume, with contributions from experts in the field, covers all aspects of the disease. Etiology, pathogenesis, classification, and clinical staging are discussed, and there is special emphasis on state of the art treatment techniques. The latter range from endoscopic mucosal resections or limited surgical resections for early cancers to multimodality treatment options for locally advanced tumors. Emerging quality issues in surgical management are addressed. Detailed attention is also paid to other important recent developments, including molecular response prediction, early metabolic response evaluation by PET and PET-CT, the diagnosis of micrometastases, and the use of sentinel node technology. This volume will be of interest to all clinicians concerned with the diagnosis and management of this malignancy.

Detection and characterization of bone tumors with imaging remains a big challenge for every radiologist notwithstanding the impressive progress achieved by the introduction of several new imaging modalities. Moreover, new concepts in surgical and oncological treatment of these lesions require from the radiologist appropriate and focused answers to the specifc questions asked by the referring physicians in order to choose the best therapeutic approach for the in- vidual patient. Tis comprehensive textbook describes in detail the possibilities and limits of all moda- ties, including MRI, CT, nuclear medicine and interventional radiological procedures, employed for the modern imaging of tumoral and tumor-like lesions of bone. Teir role in the diagnosis, surgical staging, biopsy and assessment of response to therapy is discussed in detail, covering all tumor subtypes as well as their specifc anatomical location.Well selected and technically imp- cable illustrations strongly enhance the didactic value of this work. I am very much indebted and grateful to the three editors: A. Mark Davies, Murali Sundaram and Steven L. J. James, world authorities in musculoskeletal radiology, for their superb scientifc achievement in preparing and editing this wonderful volume as well as for their individual ch- ters. I would also like to thank the large international group of collaborating authors, who are also widely acknowledged for their specifc expertise in the area of bone tumors, for their outstanding contributions.

This is the first volume to provide a multidisciplinary approach to peritoneal carcinomatosis encompassing molecular mechanisms, histopathology, regional and systemic cytotoxic therapy, and surgical options. Illustrations aid the reader throughout in the many facets of this disease. The book will be of particular interest for medical, surgical and gynecological oncologists faced with the complexities of decision making in patients suffering from PC.