It's in Your DNA: From Discovery to Structure, Function and Role in Evolution, Cancer and Aging describes, in a clear, approachable manner, the progression of the experiments that eventually led to our current understanding of DNA. This fascinating work tells the whole story from the discovery of DNA and its structure, how it replicates, codes for proteins, and our current ability to analyze and manipulate it in genetic engineering to begin to understand the central role of DNA in evolution, cancer, and aging. While telling the scientific story of DNA, this captivating treatise is further enhanced by brief sketches of the colorful lives and personalities of the key scientists and pioneers of DNA research. Major discoveries by Meischer, Darwin, and Mendel and their impacts are discussed, including the merging of the disciplines of genetics, evolutionary biology, and nucleic acid biochemistry, giving rise to molecular genetics. After tracing development of the gene concept, critical experiments are described and a new biological paradigm, the hologenome concept of evolution, is introduced and described. The final two chapters of the work focus on DNA as it relates to cancer and gerontology. This book provides readers with much-needed knowledge to help advance their understanding of the subject and stimulate further research. It will appeal to researchers, students, and others with diverse backgrounds within or beyond the life sciences, including those in biochemistry, genetics/molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, epidemiology, oncology, gerontology, cell biology, microbiology, and anyone interested in these mechanisms in life.

1 Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer: Controversy and Biological Plausibility.- 2 Dietary Fat Intake Reduction for Patients with Resected Breast Cancer.- 3 Dietary Fat Reduction as a Hypothesis for the Prevention of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer, and a Discussion of Hypothesis Testing Research Strategies.- 4 Hormone Studies and the Diet and Breast Cancer Connection.- 5 Dietary Fat Effects on Animal Models of Breast Cancer.- 6 Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Carcinogenesis.- 7 A Possible Mechanism by Which Dietary Fat Can Alter Tumorigenesis: Lipid Modulation of Macrophage function.- 8 Dietary Fatty Acids and Human Breast Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion, and Metastasis.- 9 Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments: Elucidating Relationships Between Dietary Fat and Mammary Tumor Development in Rodents.- 10 Vitamin A, Retinoids and Breast Cancer.- 11 Vitamin D Adequacy: A Possible Relationship to Breast Cancer.- 12 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer.- 13 Some Aspects of Vitamin E Related to Humans and Breast Cancer Prevention.- Poster Abstract.- Contributors.

This book aims to provide scientists with tools and well-researched protocols to enable their research and to facilitate further progress in this common leukemia. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Methods and Protocols aims to accelerate research on chronic lymphocytic leukemia and further improvements in patient outcomes.

Breast cancer research has never been in such an exciting and hopeful phase as today. From a clinical perspective, the discovery of genetic markers of risk in a proportion of familial breast cancer cases has opened up new vistas for understanding and ultimately preventing this disease. On the other hand, aggressive - even daring - therapies are being proven to be effective against advanced breast cancer. For the breast cancer experimentalist, this is also a time of great advance. Although animal and cell culture breast cancer models have proven to be of great use, there are now increasing opportunities to test the concepts developed in these models in actual clinical samples and cases. It is gratifying to see how well these concepts "translate" into the clinical setting. A very active area of research that is linking the laboratory to the clinic is the dissection of the biology and elucidation of the significance of proliferate breast disease and the identification of true, "high risk" or "preneoplastic" legions within the previously ill-defined spectrum of fibrocystic or benign breast disease. One anticipates that discoveries made here will also lead to earlier detection, intervention and prevention of life-threatening cancer.
Even, however, as we look with optimism to the eventual eradication of breast cancer, we are once again forced to face the reality that we have not yet achieved our goal. Thus, we are saddened by the much too premature death of Dr. Helene Smith from breast cancer. Helena's work was at the forefront of efforts to understand the biology of human breast cancer at the molecular level. Her insight, open-mindedness, and refusal to sacrifice relevance for convenience will continue to set the standard for all breast cancer researchers. This volume is dedicated to her memory.

This book provides an overview of the latest experimental work on sex-based differences in lung function and inflammation. Readers will learn how these differences relate to individual predispositions for the development of lung disease in men and women, and in different stages of their reproductive lives. Further, the book focuses on diseases that predominantly affect women or men, with an emphasis on the physiological mechanisms underlying their pathobiology. In turn, these findings are complemented by chapters on recent studies, which investigate how circulating sex hormone levels impact the lung's innate immune response to environmental agents and air pollution. The pathogeneses of asthma and viral respiratory infection are also major focus areas. As an outlook, the book also discusses current and future research directions aimed at developing sex-specific therapies for lung disease. To examine these anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the authors employ a broad range of methods from molecular and clinical biology. Accordingly, the book will be a fascinating read for physiologists and clinicians alike.

This issue of Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, guest edited by Dr. Cathy Eng, is devoted to Anal Canal Cancers. Dr. Eng has assembled expert authors to review the following topics: Epidemiology of Anal Canal Cancers; Management of Anal Dysplasia; Diagnosis and Diagnostic Imaging of Anal Canal Cancers; Pathology of Anal Canal Cancers; Treatment of the Primary Tumor in Anal Canal Cancers; Acute and Chronic Toxicities of Radiation Therapy for Anal Canal Cancers; Locally Recurrent Disease Related to Anal Canal Cancers; Surveillance of Anal Canal Cancers; Metastatic Anal Cancer and Novel Agents; Treatment of Oligometastatic Disease; Unusual Anal Cancers: Melanoma and Carcinoid; Patient Perspective and Personal Journey of Treating a "Rare Cancer"; HIV/AIDS, HPV, and Anal Cancer; Pathology of Anal Cancer, and more!

This volume gives a state-of-the-art overview on macrophage functions in various invertebrate and vertebrate systems and diseases. It also covers various aspects of macrophage development and formation, behavior and response to nano- and biomaterials, the latter of which have become very important components of modern medicine. Macrophages are evolutionarily conserved phagocytotic cells. In recent years macrophages have emerged as one of the most versatile cells of immune system, which, depending on the milieu and circumstance, participate in development or inhibition of cancer, regeneration, wound healing, inflammation, organ rejection and interaction between mother and a fetus. This book will be of particular interest to researchers working in immunology, cancer research, developmental biology, or related fields.

This book describes the most important techniques used for studying cfDNA in the different samples; serum, plasma, urine. Chapters detail methods on liquid biopsy for cancer disease, methods in cancer, epigenetic modifications, fetal and pediatric diseases, physical activity, and urinary cell free DNA. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Cell-Free DNA as Diagnostic Markers: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This book presents a systematic overview of the most relevant nanomaterials and their respective intrinsic properties that have been highly explored by the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies in several different modalities for cancer therapy and bioimaging. The chapters explore the synergistic effects provided by the different nanostructured materials and highlight the main in vitro and in vivo therapeutic achievements on cancer. This work also provides relevant discussion about the recent progresses and future challenges that nanotechnology faces on the conception of more efficient nanoformulations against primary tumors, circulating cancer cells and metastases.

This astute volume brings together the latest expert research on adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs). ACPs are histologically benign but clinically aggressive tumors exhibiting a high propensity for local invasion into the hypothalamus, optic and vascular structures. These tumors, as well as the current treatments, may result in pan-hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, morbid obesity followed by type II diabetes mellitus, blindness, as well as serious behavioral and psychosocial impairments. Exploring in detail advances in both the understanding of tumor biology as well as clinical advances in patient management are explored in detail, this book will also look towards potential new treatment approaches. Basic Research and Clinical Aspects of Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma is the first book compiling all current research on ACPs. Mouse and human studies have unequivocally demonstrated that mutations in CTNNB1 encoding -catenin underlie the etiology of the majority, if not all ACP tumors. Genetic studies in mice have shown that ACPs are tumors of the pituitary gland and not of the hypothalamus as previously thought, and are derived from Rathke's pouch precursors. In addition, a role for tissue-specific adult pituitary stem cells has been revealed as causative of ACP. Together, these studies have provided novel insights into the molecular and cellular etiology as well as the pathogenesis of human ACP. Finally, this volume covers new treatment approaches that have been shown to be effective both in reducing ACP burden as well as reducing the morbidity associated with therapy.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics will cover aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma and articles to be included are: State of the art therapy for advanced stage DLBCL; DLBCL: Should limited stage patients be treated differently; Role of PET in DLBCL; Management of relapsed DLBCL; The spectrum of double-hit lymphoma; Optimizing outcomes in primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma; The grey zone of unclassifiable lymphomas; as well as many more.

This issue of Surgical Clinics of North America, guest edited by Dr. Jeffrey M. Hardacre, is devoted to Pancreatic Cancer and Periampullary Neoplasms. He has assembled expert authors to review the following topics: Genetics of Pancreatic Cancer and its Implication on Therapy; Familial Pancreatic Cancer and Screening of High-risk Individuals; Imaging Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer; Endoscopic Evaluation in the Work-up of Pancreatic Cancer; Definition and Management of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer; Techniques of Vascular Resection and Reconstruction in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery; Surgical Therapy for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer; Post-Pancreatectomy Complications and Management; Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer; Management of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer; Management of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer; Management of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors; Management of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms; Palliative Care and Surgery in Pancreatic Cancer; Enhanced Recovery Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer; and more!

Gynecologic malignancies, especially endometrial and ovarian cancers are among the most important and most severely affected by obesity. This volume of Energy Balance and Cancer, written by the world's leading experts in this field, is arranged to provide a transdisciplinary assessment of the pertinent issues, results of relevant research on mechanisms, and control, strategies for dealing with affected patients and improving outcomes and future research needs. The volume comprehensively covers the epidemiology linking obesity to endometrial and ovarian cancer as well as the public awareness of this critical problem. Subsequent chapters explain biologic aspects of linkages between energy balance and gynecologic malignancies. The volume further outlines strategies to disrupt the linkage between obesity and gynecologic malignancies and concludes with a series of chapters focused on management strategies for obese patients with gynecologic malignancies. This volume provides a valuable resource for all physicians, scientists and other transdisciplinary investigators and practitioners interested and involved in energy balance and cancer. It should be a particularly useful guide to optimize outcomes for all practitioners dealing with patients with gynecologic malignancies challenged by energy balance issues. Moreover, it should serve as a useful guide to students and investigators interested in conducting further research on defining and disrupting the important linkage between energy balance and gynecologic malignancies.

This issue of Neuroimaging Clinics of North America focuses on Adult Brain Tumors, and is edited by Dr. Lara Brandao. Articles will include: Posterior Fossa Tumors in Adult Patients; Lymphomas and Adult Brain Tumors; Pre-Treatment Evaluation of Gliomas; Post Treatment Evaluation of Gliomas; Metastasis in Adult Brain Tumors; Extraparenchymal Lesions in Adult Brain Tumors; Interesting Case Studies in Adult Brain Tumors; Advanced MR Imaging Techniques in Daily Practice; and more!

This book evaluates new data on diet and cancer and uses it to update the dietary guidelines produced by ECP and IUNS in 1985. It is the proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium of the European Organization for Cooperation in Cancer Prevention Studies held in Madrid during October, 1991. The first section updates general background material (dietary carcinogens, animal studies etc.), the second concerns diet and cancer at specific sites and also specific nutrients in human cancer. The third section addresses problems with guidelines per se, and the fourth the Mediterranean diet in relation to cancer. These chapters, together with the general conclusions reached in a parallel workshop, represent a state-of-the-art review of the current status of diet and cancer and also provide the background to the conclusions that guidelines as formulated in 1985 can no longer be sustained and that they need to be replaced by guidelines that (a) concern food groups instead of nutrients and (b) are targetted at particular groups rather than the population in general.

This issue of Surgical Clinics of North America, guest edited by Drs. Jeffrey M. Farma and Andrea Porpiglia, is devoted to Sarcoma. They have assembled expert authors to review the following topics: Epidemiology and Etiology of Sarcomas; Management of Extremity Sarcomas; Management of Retroperitoneal Sarcomas; Management of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans; Management of Desmoids; Management of Truncal Sarcomas; Management of Bone Sarcomas; Management of Pediatric Sarcomas; Local Recurrence of Sarcomas; Management of Metastatic Disease; Imaging of Sarcomas; Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors; Management of Breast Sarcoma; Chemotherapy for Sarcomas; Pathology and Classification of Sarcomas; Radiation Therapy for Sarcomas; and more!

This volume will describe recent progress and future directions in radiation oncology and biology research, focusing on strategies designed to improve disease control and reduce the risk of long-term adverse effects on patients. As more and more patients are becoming long-term survivors, this strategy will become increasingly important--in radiation oncology and throughout the field of oncology.

Childhood acute leukemias are one of the main causes of death in children aged 1 to 14 years in some countries; and unfortunately, we have been unable to prevent it. Certainly, a good parcel of it is due to the poor understanding about its etiology. This book aims to describe the most important theories and hypothesis regarding childhood acute leukemia. Written by the most outstanding researchers in the field, this book intends to contribute to a greater understanding of the etiology of this disease. It goes beyond the simple and common analysis of risk factors, which hardly allows us to draw definite conclusions. By addressing the etiology of the disease, discussing from molecular biology until epidemiology and clinical manifestations, this book will guide present and future approaches, contributing for a better clinical management of leukemia in children. The knowledge regarding etiology is a crucial step for a better evaluation, prevention and treatment of a disease. Thus, this book finally intends to provide such knowledge, allowing physicians and practitioners to a better manage of childhood acute leukemias.

This issue of Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, guest edited by Dr. Chandrajit P. Raut, is devoted to Sarcomas. Dr. Raut has assembled expert authors to review the following topics: Sarcoma: Histologic Subtypes and Changes in the Recent WHO Classification; Distinguishing Radiologic Characteristics of Sarcoma Histologic Subtypes; Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Tailoring Resection to Histologic Subtype; Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: Fact, Opinion, and Controversy; Breast Sarcoma; Management of Sarcoma Metastases to the Lung; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor; Liposarcoma: Surgical Management and Future Targeted Therapy; Myxofibrosarcoma; Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; Desmoid Fibromatosis: Evolving Treatment Standards; Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Surgery v. Mohs; Radiation Therapy: Indications and Controversies for Neoadjuvant Therapy, Adjuvant Therapy, IORT, and Brachytherapy; Chemotherapy: Does Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Therapy Improve Outcomes?; and more!

This book is the first to focus specifically on cancer nanotheranostics. Each of the chapters that make up this comprehensive volume is authored by a researcher, clinician, or regulatory agency member known for their expertise in this field. Theranostics, the technology to simultaneously diagnose and treat a disease, is a nascent field that is growing rapidly in this era of personalized medicine. As the need for cost-effective disease diagnosis grows, drug delivery systems that can act as multifunctional carriers for imaging contrast and therapy agents could provide unique breakthroughs in oncology. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of smart theranostic platforms that can concurrently diagnose disease, start primary treatment, monitor response and initiate secondary treatments if required. In oncology, chemotherapeutics have been routinely used. Some drugs have proven effective but all carry risks of adverse side effects. There is growing interest in using remotely triggered drug delivery systems to limit cytotoxicity in the diseased area. This book reviews the use of theranostic nanoparticles for cancer applications over the past decade. First, it briefly discusses the challenges and limitations of conventional cancer treatments, and presents an overview of the use of nanotechnology in treating cancer. These introductory chapters are followed by those exploring cancer diagnosis and a myriad of delivery methods for nanotherapeutics. The book also addresses multifunctional platforms, treatment monitoring, and regulatory considerations. As a whole, the book aims to briefly summarize the development and clinical potential of various nanotheranostics for cancer applications, and to delineate the challenges that must be overcome for successful clinical development and implementation of such cancer theranostics.

The book conveys a comprehensive knowledge of long and short ncRNAs in cancer regulation and their potentials as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Topics covered include the molecular mechanisms of various classes of ncRNAs (with emphasis on long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs) in cancer, the functional roles of ncRNAs in regulating different cancer hallmarks (including proliferation, apoptosis, stem-cell properties, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolism, angiogenesis, tumor-host interactions and therapeutic resistance), the role of ncRNAs in regulating cancer signaling circuitry programs (highlighting their involvement in c-myc, p53 and NFkB signaling), a systemic summary of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluate the potential of ncRNA signatures for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and strategies to delivery short ncRNAs as therapeutic molecules for cancer treatment. This book may serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, graduate students and oncologists in ncRNA and cancer research and help drug development by identifying ncRNA targets.

This book approaches the differential diagnosis and management of rare, hereditary cancer syndromes from a practical angle, addressing the issues pertinent to each tumour type as encountered by health professionals in their day-to-day practice. This book enables readers to correctly identify patients with rare cancer syndromes who would benefit from genetic counselling and testing, and provides the necessary knowledge for appropriate patient management and advising at-risk family members. It begins by describing recent advances in genetic testing for cancer-predisposing genes. Leading experts from Europe and Australia then offer detailed, up-to-date guidance on the diagnosis and management of a wide range of hereditary cancers. The concluding chapter examines the wider issues that are raised by genetic testing for rare cancer syndromes for patients, families and health professionals. This book is an invaluable source of information for all specialists involved in the care of such patients and their families.