Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females that accounts for highest cancer specific deaths worldwide. In the last few decades research has proven that breast cancer can be treated if diagnosed at early stages and proper therapeutic strategy is adopted. Omics-based recent approaches have unveiled the molecular mechanism behind the breast tumorigenesis and aid in identification of next-generation molecular markers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and even the effective targeted therapy. Significant development has taken place in the field of omics in breast cancer in the last decade. The most promising omics approaches and their outcomes in breast cancer have been presented in this book for the first time. The book covers omics technologies and budding fields such as breast cancer miRNA, lipidomics, epigenomics, proteomics, nutrigenomics, stem cell, pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, and many more along with conventional topics such as breast cancer management etc. It is a research-based reference book useful for clinician-scientists, researchers, geneticists and health care industries involved in various aspects of breast cancer. The book will also be useful for students of biomedicine, pathology, and pharmacy.

Leading transplant physicians critically review and interpret twenty-one key clinical challenges in bone marrow/hematopoietic cell transplantation, and offer their best personal recommendations for treatment. Topics range from transplant strategies to complications of bone marrow transplantation, including a discussion of the indications, benefits, and the risks for a variety of leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors. The authors debate such contentious issues as the appropriateness of transplants in older patients, how many stem cells are sufficient for engraftment, and the pros and cons of umbilical cord blood transplantation. Up-to-date and clinically focused, Current Controversies in Bone Marrow Transplantation offers clinical oncologists, hematology/oncology fellows in training, and residents in internal medicine today's best ready reference and management guide for all their critical oncologic problems arising from the use of bone marrow/stem cell transplantation.

The discovery of microRNAs and its role as gene expression regulators in human carcinogenesis represents one of the most important scientific achievements of the last decade. More recently, other non-coding RNAs have been discovered and its implications in cancer are emerging as well, suggesting a broader than anticipated involvement of the non-coding genome in cancer. Moreover, completely new and unexpected functions for microRNAs are being revealed, leading to the identification of new anticancer molecular targets. This book represents a comprehensive guide on non-coding RNAs and cancer, spanning from its role as cancer biomarkers, to providing the most useful bioinformatic tools, to presenting some of the most relevant discoveries, which indicates how these fascinating molecules act as fine orchestrators of cancer biology.

Creating clinical guidelines is a modern trend. Published studies pertaining to a given theme are collected, their credibility evaluated, and then treatment options in the form of evidence-based guidelines are offered. There are a number of guidelines for the treatment of thyroid tumors that have established positions in clinical practice in North America and in Western European countries. In Japan, however, where radioisotope facilities are of limited availability, treatment plans for differentiated thyroid cancer differ considerably from those of America and Europe, and the associated clinical guidelines need modification before they can be adopted. In addition, although thyroid tumor is a common disease in endocrine practice, its management can differ even among specialists. Thus, a Japanese clinical guideline for the treatment of thyroid tumor was desired by many clinicians. As a combination of evidence-based and consensus-based guidelines for the treatment of thyroid tumor, this book offers alternatives to conventional approaches in the West. Ultimately, the authors hope the guideline will lead to the best possible treatment for patients all over the world in the not-distant future.

Leland H. Hartwell Director, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Nobel Laureate for Medicine, 2001 Yeast has proved to be the most useful single-celled organism for studying the fundamental aspects of cell biology. Resources are now available for yeast that greatly simplify and empower new investigations, like the presence of strains with each gene deleted, each protein tagged and databases on protein-protein interactions, gene regulation, and subcellular protein location. A powerful combination of genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry employed by thousands of yeast researchers has unraveled the complexities of numerous cellular processes from mitosis to secretion and even uncovered new insights into prion diseases and the role of prions in normal biology. These insights have proven, time and again, to foretell the roles of proteins and pathways in human cells. The collection of articles in this volume explores the use of yeast in pathway analysis and drug discovery. Yeast has, of course, supplied mankind's most ubiquitous drug for thousands of years. In one aspect, the role of yeast in drug discovery is much like the role of yeast in other areas of biology. Yeast offers the power of genetics and a repetoire of resources available in no other organism. Using yeast in the study of drug targets and metabolism can help to make a science of what has been largely an empirical activity. A science of drug discovery would permit rigorous answers to important questions.

This book offers clear, accessible information on the causes of cancer and the multiple ways people can reduce their risk for this insidious disease. Like no other work, this much-needed volume gathers the latest research and understanding about the causes of cancer and methods of preventing the disease-and makes it all clear and accessible to the general reader. Cancer Causes and Controversies: Understanding Risk Reduction and Prevention describes common risk factors associated with particular types of cancer, including genetic predisposition, radiation and chemical carcinogens, diet, hormonal factors, infection, and smoking. The book then looks at the scientific evidence supporting the positive role of healthy nutrition, exercise, and diet in lowering cancer risk, as well as the dangers posed by a dysfunctional immune system compromised by chronic infection, unhealthy lifestyles, stress, and poor psychological health. Finally, the book provides an unbiased assessment of a number of controversies surrounding cancer causes and prevention, including screening and genetic testing, vitamin supplementation, genetically modified foods, chemical food additives, and cellular phones and deodorants as potential cancer-causing agents. Primary source materials derived from original scientific work including the National Resources for Molecular Biology (National Center for Biotechnology Information public database) and Cancer Research UK International scientific manuscripts and reviews in the field of cancer research from peer review journals Resources for more information on cancer (websites, association, centers, books)

This book provides a comprehensive coverage and a succinct overview of the current status of supportive cancer care with Chinese medicine written by leading experts in the field. The chapters coherently present an overview on the major treatment approaches of Chinese medicine and progresses made with different important aspects on supportive cancer care with acupuncture, herbal therapy and qigong. Moreover, there are reviews on the evidences and efficacies of Chinese medicine for controlling radiation-induced injuries, chemotherapy-related side effects, as well as pain control with Chinese medicine. In order to provide information from basic science at the bench to the patient's bedside, modern researches and clinical trials would be overviewed so as to give an up-to-date and realistic evaluation of a therapy's utility for cancer patients. It is also worth noting that toxicology, safety and herb-drug interactions are the main concerns of using Chinese medicine combined with western medicine. A chapter will expound on these issues and there will also be chapters discussing integrative Chinese and Western medicine, as well as cancer prevention with Chinese medicine. This book presents state-of-the-art knowledge on supportive cancer care with Chinese medicine, which will appeal to anyone involved in cancer care. This is a precious book for all types of readers, including but not limited to oncologists, cancer researchers, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical specialists, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Chinese medicine educators, medicine postgraduates and undergraduates, cancer caregivers, cancer survivors, and family members of cancer patients who want to expand their knowledge in supportive cancer care.

Endocrine Neoplasia is a comprehensive, updated, and clearly-written text covering the diseases for which endocrine surgical expertise is often needed. We look towards advances in the science and the art of endocrine surgery to continuously improve outcomes for our patients. The goal of this text was to provide a detailed description of both the underlying science of disease as well as the art of clinical management.

The book is divided into five sections addressing neoplasms of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, neuroendocrine pancreas, and multiple endocrine neoplasia. Experts from the United States, Canada, and Australia have contributed chapters addressing both the biology of endocrine tumors and the clinical management of disease. Recent discoveries regarding the genetic underpinnings of disease are highlighted. Updated consensus guidelines were used for clinical recommendations. The management of complex and often confusing clinical problems is discussed in detail.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy and c- rently affects approximately 50,000 people in the United States. Each year about 20,000 people are diagnosed with myeloma. Although new treatments have been developed, which signi?cantly prolong the survival of patients, myeloma bone d- ease still remains a major cause of severe morbidity and increased mortality in patients with myeloma. Myeloma bone disease is characterized by "punched out" lytic lesions caused by increased osteoclastic bone destruction accompanied by suppressed or even absent osteoblast activity. Advances in our understanding of both the pathophysiology of myeloma bone disease and the development of novel agents that target speci?c pathways involved in both the increased osteoclast f- mation and the suppressed osteoblast activity in myeloma provide new hope for these patients. The treatment of myeloma bone disease was revolutionized by cl- ical trials that demonstrated the signi?cant bene?t of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in patients with myeloma bone disease. With the identi?cation of many of the cytokines and chemokines involved in myeloma bone disease, novel th- apies such as denosumab that blocks RANKL activity, anti-DKK1, which targets the inhibition of osteoblast activity by blocking Wnt signaling inhibition, and the potential anabolic effects of agents such as bortezomib and activin have greatly improved our potential to block the progression or reverse myeloma bone disease.

This book covers all aspects of thyroid cancer. Heavily illustrated and including pathology, thyroid and whole-body scans, ultrasounds and other nuclear medicine and radiological studies, the book addresses important issues that physicians should cover when dealing with their patients.

The text is designed for physicians, endocrinologists, nuclear medicine physicians, general and head and neck surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists, and primary care doctors. Other groups are residents, medical students, and nurse practitioners researching a patient-related problem.

Despite recent progress in many areas of treatment and control, cancer remains a frightening threat to everyone. While scientists have known for decades that the majority of human cancers are caused by environmental agents such as radiation and the chemicals in cigarette smoke, not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer. Furthermore, many people who assiduously avoid all possible risk from smoking, diet, and pollution still succumb to some form of cancer later in life. Does this mean that there is an element of blind chance in the underlying mechanisms of human carcinogenesis? To what extent do genetic influences play a role in determining the cancer risk of individuals? A number of `cancer families', in which several closely related individuals have suffered from various specific forms of cancer, have been studied by genetic epidemiologists. However, for the majority of cancer cases, little or no discernible genetic influence or family history is found. Recent research has discovered that for many of these `sporadic' (non-familial) cancer cases, defects or aberrations in certain metabolic genes not previously associated with genetic cancer risk may contribute to either causing the disease or at least increasing the chances of developing cancer. It is therefore possible that much of what has previously passed for `bad luck' may turn out to be a new type of `bad genes'. Genetic Susceptibility to Cancer explains that this new idea of `bad genes' may contain an unexpected positive side. The carcinogenic effects of these metabolic genes, unlike those of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that are responsible for the inherited cancer syndromes, can potentially be overcome or nullified. Genetic Susceptibility to Cancer will provide a valuable reference for health professionals, researchers, clinicians and biomedical scientists who are interested in the current thinking in this critically important area of cancer management.

Cancer is a complex disease. Only 5-10% of human cancers are hereditary in nature. Many of us think of environmental agents when we think of carcinogens. The environment includes all that surrounds us, and environmental influences include not only chemical, physical and biological toxicants, but also diet and lifestyle. In this broadest sense, the environment contributes substantially in the development of human cancer. This book will describe how environment contributes to malignant transformation leading to profound changes in the genetic and signaling networks that control the functioning of the cell. It will critically discuss the understanding of the effects of environment on the development, progression and metastasis of cancer with current knowledge of the signaling networks that support functioning of transformed human cells. Genes and environmental factors that influence the origins of cancer are not necessarily the same as those that contribute to its progression and metastasis. Susceptibility gene variants for each specific cancer are being identified with emerging evidence of gene environment interaction. Gene-environment interactions will be discussed through each specific cancer-based approach to address the question of how genetic variations can influence susceptibility to the individual type of cancer. It will also highlight and summarize epigenetic changes that increase the risk for susceptibility to a particular type of cancer, particularly in the presence of specific environmental factors. Thus, this book will contain chapters from the world s experts focused on the current evidences that support the role of environment in the cancer etiology and in the growth of malignant lesions, and discuss who may be susceptible to environmental influences."

Diverse molecular, cellular, and environmental events must all come together to allow the successful formation of secondary cancers, metastases. The second edition of Metastasis Research Protocols, brings together updated versions of the seminal technique that were presented in the first edition and also includes new techniques that have recently been shown to be important in illuminating the processes underlying this important area of biology. Volume 2 presents techniques applicable at the level of living cells and tissues, and presents methodologies applicable to cell behaviour in vitro, in animal models and in mathematical constructs. The aim is the study of the interaction between cancer cells and their host/environment. The focus throughout is on the tools that have been shown to be helpful in unravelling the processes important in cancer metastasis. 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, Metastasis Research Protocols, Second Edition seeks to aid scientists in the further study of new methods in the area of metastasis research.

The 7th International Symposium on Platinum and other metal coordination compounds in Cancer Chemotherapy, ISPCC '95, organized by the European Cancer Centre, was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 1-4, 1995. As with previous ISPCC meetings, the goal of ISPCC '95 was to bring together c1inicians, clinical investigators, scientists, and laboratory workers from many disciplines to promote further collaboration and cooperation in the development of new platinum and other metal coordination compounds as weil as in new ways to use 'c1assical' drugs as cisplatin and carboplatin in the treatment of cancer. Important aspects addressed by experts in the field inc1uded the synthesis and activity of new platinum compounds, the biochemistry and molecular pharrnacology as weil as the c1inical pharrnacology of this c1ass of antineoplastic agents, an overview of current c1inical studies, one special minisymposium on the mechanisms of cell kill of platinum, and one on resistance against platinum compounds. Finally, the current status of development of nonplatinum metal complexes was discussed. This volume contains the contributions of the various speakers at ISPCC '95 and provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important c1ass of anticancer agents, ranging from synthesis and molecular pharrnacology on one hand to c1inical pharrnacology and cIinical investigations on the other hand. The Organizing Corrunittee and Editors wish to express their gratitude to the contributors to this volume, to the various organizations and pharrnaceutical companies for their generous sponsoring of ISPCC '95, and to the Plenum Publishing Company for their help in producing this volume.

In the past, many tumor marker laboratory tests have not been sensitive enough for the very early detection of cancer. However, many of them have nonetheless proved useful in monitoring therapy, following the course of the tumor, and predicting prog- nosis. Today, cancer may be viewed as a genetic disease with various specific chromo- somal and nucleotide aberrations, such as mutations, deletions, gene amplification, gene rearrangements, and translocations occurring during the transformation of a nor- mal cell into a malignant cell. The considerable advances in technology during the past several years have greatly enhanced our ability to detect human cancers in the very early stages of tumor forma- tion. These technologies include: (1) nucleotide molecular assays (genomics); (2) proteomics (multiplex protein measurements); (3) DNA microarrays; and (4) bio- informatics. Many of these technologies are already helping in the integration and use of multiple biomarkers for tumors. Although the individual biomarkers may reveal only limited information, the use of multiple biomarkers can help markedly elevate the diagnostic capabilities for early detection of tumors.

The annual research conference for 1996 of the American Institute for Cancer Re search was again held at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC, August 29 and 30. The topic for this, the seventh in the series, was "Dietary Fat and Cancer: Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms. " Two separate presentations were given as the conference overview. "Fat and Cancer: The Epidemiologic Evidence in Perspective" noted that die tary fat can be saturated, largely from animal or dairy sources, or mono- or polyunsatu rated, mostly from plant sources. Unlike animal fats, fish contain relatively high levels of protective omega-3 fatty acids. Although the hypothesis that dietary fat is associated with cancer is plausible, the mechanisms involved are reasonable, and many animal studies support the hypothesis, there are many obstacles in any direct extrapolation to humans, in cluding imprecise measures of dietary fat intake, variability in individual diets, and spe cies variations. Despite these limitations, there is a weak positive correlation between colon cancer and dietary fat intake, but with substantial differences for various ethnic groups. In the case of breast cancer, there is substantial variation among countries and eth nic groups, but the overall evidence indicated an association with fat in the diet. Epidemiologic studies of dietary fat and prostate cancer are more consistent and most show a positive relationship. However, it was not clear which types of dietary fat were im plicated in the effect."

This volume reviews the current state of research on immune checkpoints and offers novel concepts. It discusses the two most important immune checkpoints: T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). It shows that antagonistic antibodies against these two molecules are highly effective in the treatment of various cancers and that PD-1 and CTLA-4 have been linked to the suppression of T-cell receptor signaling and co-stimulatory molecules. Further, the volume examines other agents, a number of cells, receptors and signaling molecules, that are also involved in the regulation of T-cell activation and extends the concept of immune checkpoints to "molecules and cells that negatively regulate T-cell activation". Playing essential roles in immune homeostasis, they could offer new targets for cancer immunotherapy, and for the therapy of autoimmune diseases. Written by internationally respected scientists, this book will appeal to basic scientists, clinicians, drug development researchers, and advanced students alike.

In Hormone Therapy in Breast and Prostate Cancer, many of today's leading researchers and clinicians describe the principles underlying targeted hormonal treatments, assess the actions of new and established agents, and illustrate the new applications of hormonal chemoprevention for breast cancer. Topics range from preclinical and clinical antiestrogens to the inhibition of estrogen synthesis and the effects of androgen withdrawal. A wide variety of proven and new agents are discussed-antiestrogens, including aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, and others), SERMs (tamoxifen, raloxifene, and others), and such antiandrogenic strategies as goserelin and bicalutamide.

This book focuses on how obesity and sedentary lifestyles adversely affect cancer risk and survival for individuals as well as mechanisms that may underlie those associations. However, evidence is accumulating rapidly on the cost of obesity and sedentary lifestyles to society. For example, obesity is estimated to lead to costs of $147 billion in the US.6 While research on individual level interventions for weight loss and increasing physical activity have identified efficacious approaches, these changes in behavior are not maintained by many in the current environments in the US and worldwide that promote weight gain and inactivity. Research on environmental and policy approaches for addressing these problems at the societal level is needed7, 8 and is a major component of the President's Report on Childhood Obesity released in April 2010. The epidemic of overweight and obesity and the increasing sedentary lifestyles will impact the magnitude and quality of the cancer problem globally. Increasing the knowledge of scientists, clinicians, and policy experts will aid in defining new prevention and treatment methods, to reduce the impact of energy balance on cancer, with the goal to eventually reduce the burden of cancer. Hopefully, this knowledge can be translated into incentives for the general public, persons at high risk, and cancer patients and survivors to increase physical activity, reduce excess weight, and maintain energy balance lifelong.

This volume is based on the Workshop on Systems Biology of Tumor Dormancy meeting, held July 25th to July 28th, 2011. The first annual CCSB workshop brought together biologists, clinicians, mathematicians, and computer scientists to discuss various aspects of tumor dormancy and develop novel mathematical/computational models with the keynote speakers. Specific topics included the angiogenic switch, immune system interactions, cancer stem cells and signaling.

This book reviews recent breakthroughs in anti-cancer drug discovery. Building on the previous volume in the series, it outlines some of the most significant developments that have occurred in the field in the subsequent period that have led to new drug approvals or promising clinical candidates. The volume is divided into chapters that each relate to a specific protein or protein class. Each chapter provides an overview of the underlying biology and then emphasises the medicinal chemistry strategies and tactics that led to the most significant drugs and drug candidates. A summary of clinical data and the future outlook for the field is also provided. Each chapter is authored by experts in the topic and who have themselves made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Cancer and Pregnancy covers the clinical challenges to diagnosing and treating malignancies in the pregnant patient; however, the book also shows how an understanding of the common features of both processes (rapid cell proliferation) may lead to novel anti-cancer treatment options. The book should be read by obstetricians and gynaecologists, clinical oncologists, reproduction specialists, and those involved in investigation of development, biology, toxicology, immunology, as well as cancer research.

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 journal 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 ofoncology literature covering virtually all oncology topics, revised frequently to keep the coverage up to date, and easily available on a single library shelfor 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, genitourinary 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."