Proteolysis is essential for life. From the breakdown of proteins in food for biosynthesis, through to antigen processing in the immune system, the blood cl- ting cascade, and the hormone-regulated remodelling of female reproductive tissues in adult mammals - proteolysis governs functionality, homeostasis, and fate at the levels of the cell and the entire organism. For the cancer cell, intracellular prote- ysis carried out by caspases and the proteasome must be enlisted and controlled to allow it to escape apoptosis. Functioning on the cancer cell surface or in the extracellular milieu, secreted proteases (primarily metalloproteinases, serine p- teases, and cathepsins) determine the interactions of cells with their environments. Once considered simply as promoting tumour cell invasion through tissue barriers, proteolysis is now known to be integral to many aspects of cancer biology, including angiogenesis, regulation of the bioavailability of growth factors, cellular adhesion, cytokine/chemokine signalling, in?ammatory cell recruitment, and the mobilization of normal cells from their tissue compartments to act as accomplices in metastasis. The last decade has witnessed a revolution in our thinking concerning the role of extracellular proteolysis in cancer biology: this is the primary focus of this book.

Recent evidence demonstrates that normal prostate tissue contains stem cells. There is also accumulating evidence that prostate cancer contains a population of cells with stem cell-like characteristics referred to as cancer stem cells, or tumor initiating cells. Both the normal prostate stem cell and cancer stem cell populations have important implications for the generation, therapeutic targeting, and prevention of prostate cancer. The purpose of this book is to explore the role of stem cells in prostate cancer, which is becoming an increasingly hot trend in cancer research.

"Molecular Diagnostics andTreatment of Pancreatic Cancer "describes the different emerging applications of systems biology and howit is shaping modern pancreatic cancer research. This book begins by introducing the current state of the art knowledge, trends in diagnostics, progress in disease model systems as well as new treatment and palliative care strategies in pancreatic cancer. Specific sections are dedicated to enlighten the readers to newer discoveries that have emerged from gene expression profiling, proteomics, metabolomics and systems level analyses of pancreatic cancer datasets. First of a kind and novel network strategies to understand oncogenic Kras signaling in pancreatic tumors are presented. The attempts to computationally model and prioritize microRNAs that cause pancreatic cancer resistance are alsohighlighted.

Addressing this important area, "Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer" provides insights into important network evaluation methodologies related to pancreatic cancer related microRNAs targetome. There are dedicated chapters on critical aspects of the evolving yet controversial field of pancreatic cancer stems cells. The work concludes by discussing the applications of network sciences in pancreatic cancer drug discovery and clinical trial design.
Encompasses discussion of innovative tools including expression signatures in cell lines, 3D models, animal xenograft models, primary models and patient derived samples, aiding subversion of traditional biology paradigms, and enhancing comprehension across conventional length and temporal scalesCoverage includes novel applications in targeted drugs, polypharmacology, network pharmacology and other related drug development arenas - helping researchers in pancreatic cancer drug discoverySummarizes many relevant computational and clinical references from fast-evolving literatureComprehensive glossary helps newer readers understand technical terms and specialized nomenclature"

Managing and treating patients with thyroid issues accounts for about 30% of an endocrinologist's practice. The issue will be divided into two parts: thyroid cancer and other major disorders. Articles will cover new information on TSH and radioiodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer, as well as best practices for managing hypothyroidism, Graves disease and thyroiditis.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics is focused on Hodgkin's Lymphoma and covers such topics as First HRS-cell line L428 and the detection of the CD-30 Antigen , "Normal" CD30-B-lymphocytes, CD-30-Antigen, Combination-Chemo-Radiotherapy, Early intensification (escBEACOPP), Customized/Targeted Therapy, and more.

Successful clinical use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) represents a significant advance in radiation oncology. Because IMRT can deliver high-dose radiation to a target with a reduced dose to the surrounding organs, it can improve the local control rate and reduce toxicities associated with radiation therapy. Since IMRT began being used in the mid-1990s, a large volume of clinical evidence of the advantages of IMRT has been collected. However, treatment planning and quality assurance (QA) of IMRT are complicated and difficult for the clinician and the medical physicist. This book, by authors renowned for their expertise in their fields, provides cumulative clinical evidence and appropriate techniques for IMRT for the clinician and the physicist. Part I deals with the foundations and techniques, history, principles, QA, treatment planning, radiobiology and related aspects of IMRT. Part II covers clinical applications with several case studies, describing contouring and dose distribution with clinical results along with descriptions of indications and a review of clinical evidence for each tumor site. The information presented in this book serves as a valuable resource for the practicing clinician and physicist.

Volume 542 of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This new volume covers research methods providing a theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Malignant cells exhibit metabolic changes when compared to their normal counterparts, owing to both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Although such a metabolic rewiring has recently been indicated as "yet another" general hallmark of cancer, accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolic alterations of each neoplasm rather represent a molecular signature that intimately accompanies, and hence cannot be severed from, all facets of malignant transformation.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers research methods in biomineralization scienceProvides theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells, and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo

This thesis mainly focuses on the design and synthesis of novel multifunctional nanoprobes, investigating their feasibility for applications involving sensing, molecular imaging, and the simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of cancer. Above all, it discusses the development of innovative nanomaterials to address the issues limiting the effectiveness of currently available nanoprobes such as the synthesis shortcoming and poor performance in sensing, imaging and therapeutic applications. One of the strengths of this thesis is its integration of knowledge from chemistry, materials science and biomedicine. Further, it presents the theoretical fundamentals in the design of nanoprobes, which can offer guidance for future studies on the development of novel multifunctional nanomaterials with significantly enhanced performance.

Adipocytokines provide the circuitry by which adipose tissue communicates among its component cells which include adipocytes, stromal cells, immune cells and vascular elements, with adipose tissue depots in other locations throughout the body and with other tissues in order to regulate physiologic processes of energy intake, utilization, and distribution. Since disturbances, both qualitative and quantitative, in adipocytokine function contribute significantly to many of the comorbidities associated with obesity, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, this volume, which discusses most of the major adipocytokines independently and collectively and their roles in normal and pathologic processes, should be useful to all individuals seeking a deeper understanding of these processes. Moreover, it provides a valuable complement to the series on Energy Balance and Cancer, in which each volume is focused on a specific aspect of this process, which now constitutes an expanding problem as the obesity pandemic continues and more of the population reaches the age where cancer is most prevalent. This volume should provide a valuable resource to all clinicians and scientists engaged in caring for susceptible patients and in exploring the relation between energy balance and cancer as well as an important platform to providing the background for research development.

Aiding researchers seeking to eliminate multi-step procedures, reduce delays in treatment and ease patient care, "Cancer Theranostics" reviews, assesses, and makes pertinent clinical recommendations on the integration of comprehensive in vitro diagnostics, in vivo molecular imaging, and individualized treatments towards the personalization of cancer treatment.

"Cancer Theranostics" describes the identification of novel biomarkers to advance molecular diagnostics of cancer. The book encompasses new molecular imaging probes and techniques for early detection of cancer, and describes molecular imaging-guided cancer therapy. Discussion also includes nanoplatforms incorporating both cancer imaging and therapeutic components, as well as clinical translation and future perspectives.
Supports elimination of multi-step approaches and reduces delays in treatments through combinatorial diagnosis and therapyFully assesses cancer theranostics across the emergent field, with discussion of biomarkers, molecular imaging, imaging guided therapy, nanotechnology, and personalized medicine Content bridges laboratory, clinic, and biotechnology industries to advance biomedical science and improve patient management

Cell Press Reviews: Cancer Therapeutics informs, inspires, and connects cancer researchers at all stages in their careers with timely, comprehensive reviews written by leaders in the field and curated by Cell Press editors. The publicatio offers a broad view of some of the most compelling topics in cancer therapeutics including: Genetic approaches for personal oncologyTargeting epigenetic dysregulation and protein interaction networksVaccines and antibodies in cancer immunotherapyTumor heterogeneity and chemotherapy resistanceTumor associated macrophages in anticancer treatment

Contributions come from leading voices in the field, including: - Daniel A. Haber, Director of Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Professor at Harvard Medical School - Tony Kouzarides, Professor at the University of Cambridge, Deputy Director of the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, and a founder of the cancer drug discovery company Chroma Therapeutics - Charles L. Sawyers, Chair of the Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, President of the American Association for Cancer Research, member of the presidentially appointed National Cancer Advisory Board, and recipient of the 2013 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

Cell Press Reviews: Cancer Therapeutics is part of the Cell Press Reviewsseries, which features reviews published in "Cell Press" primary research and "Trends" reviews journals.
Provides timely, comprehensive articles on a wide range of topics in cancer therapeutics
Offers insight from experts on genetic, molecular, and cellular aspects of cancer therapy
Features reviews on basic science advances translated into drug discovery and therapeutic approaches
Includes articles originally published in "Cell, Cancer Cell, Trends in Genetics, Trends in Molecular Medicine," and "Trends in Pharmacological Sciences""

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common cause of inherited colorectal cancer, a disease with a high mortality rate. An estimated 37,000 of diagnosed colorectal cancer cases worldwide are attributed to Lynch syndrome each year. Intensive cancer screening, with early initiation and frequent follow-up, can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in LS patients. This book provides an up-to-date overview on the genetic and epigenetic basis of Lynch syndrome. It evaluates clinical features of the disease and critically comments on molecular tools available for identifying mutations responsible for Lynch syndrome; in addition the importance of functional assays that can help clarify the clinical nature of identified mutations is also discussed. The book also focuses on challenges in genetic counselling of at-risk individuals and discusses related ethical issues. The purpose of the book is to give a concise knowledge base for the broader scientific and medical community, including genetic counselors, in order to improve awareness on the potential impact that the diagnosis of LS has on treatment, management and surveillance of LS patients.

"Cancer: Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants" bridges the trans-disciplinary divide and covers in a single volume the science of oxidative stress in cancer and then the potentially therapeutic usage of natural antioxidants in the diet or food matrix. The processes within the science of oxidative stress are described in concert with other processes such as apoptosis, cell signaling, and receptor mediated responses. This approach recognizes that diseases are often multifactorial and that oxidative stress is a single component of this.

Oncologists, cancer researchers, and nutritionists are separated by divergent skills and professional disciplines that need to be bridged in order to advance preventative as well as treatment strategies. While oncologists and cancer researchers may study the underlying pathogenesis of cancer, they are less likely to be conversant in the science of nutrition and dietetics. On the other hand, nutritionists and dietitians are less conversant with the detailed clinical background and science of oncology. This book addresses this gap and brings each of these disciplines to bear on the processes inherent in the oxidative stress of cancer.
Nutritionists can apply information related to mitochondrial oxidative stress in one disease to diet-related strategies in another unrelated disease Dietitians can prescribe new foods or diets containing anti-oxidants for conditions resistant to conventional pharmacological treatments Dietitians, after learning about the basic biology of oxidative stress, will be able to suggest new treatments to their multidisciplinary teamsNutritionists and dietitians will gain an understanding of cell signaling, and be able to suggest new preventative or therapeutic strategies with anti-oxidant rich foods

Cell Press Reviews: Stem Cells to Model and Treat Disease informs, inspires, and connects stem cell researchers and clinicians at all stages in their careers with timely, comprehensive reviews written by leaders in the field and curated by Cell Press editors. The publication offers a broad view of some of the most compelling topics in stem cell research including: Safety and efficacy of stem cell treatmentsStem-cell-based organ regenerationIntegrating stem cells into personalized drug discoveryUsing pluripotent stem cells for treating neurological diseaseEngineering hematopoietic stem cells for innovative therapies

Contributions come from leading voices in the field, including: - Shinya Yamanaka, Recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, Recipient of the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize, Professor and Director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application at Kyoto University, Senior Investigator at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, L.K. Whittier Foundation Investigator in Stem Cell Biology and Professor at the University of California, San Francisco - George Q. Daley, Samuel E. Lux IV Professor of Hematology/Oncology at Harvard Medical School and Director for the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Boston Children s Hospital - Irving Weissman, Member of National Academy of Sciences, Virgina & D.K Ludwig Professor for Clinical Investigation in Cancer Research, and Director for Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University of Medicine

Cell Press Reviews: Stem Cells to Model and Treat Disease is part of the Cell Press Reviewsseries, which features reviews published in "Cell Press" primary research and "Trends" reviews journals.
Provides timely overviews on a wide range of stem cell applications
Offers insight from experts on the key opportunities and challenges facing the field
Features reviews on genetic, cellular, and molecular aspects of stem-cell-based applications
Includes articles originally published in "Cell, Cell Stem Cell, Neuron, Trends in Molecular Medicine," and "Trends in Biotechnology
""

This issue of Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America is devoted to the treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Editors Nancy Baxter, MD and Marcus Burnstein, MD have assembled some of the top experts in the field to review this important topic.Articles in this issue include: Colonoscopy: What are we missing?; Imaging in rectal cancer: MRI vs. ERUS; Local Excision for Rectal Cancer; Controversies in Neo-adjuvant treatment for rectal cancer; Management of the complete response; Controversies in laparoscopy for CRC; Colon resection - is standard technique adequate?; Quality Assurance in CRC surgery; Controversies in Abdomino-perineal resection; Functional Consequences of CRC management; Timing of adjuvant therapy for CRC; and Management of Stage IV disease.

2015 BMA Medical Book Awards Highly Commended in Oncology Category! The Molecular Basis of Cancer arms you with the latest knowledge and cutting-edge advances in the battle against cancer. This thoroughly revised, comprehensive oncology reference explores the scientific basis for our current understanding of malignant transformation and the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease. A team of leading experts thoroughly explains the molecular biologic principles that underlie the diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions now being used in clinical trials and practice. Detailed descriptions of topics from molecular abnormalities in common cancers to new approaches for cancer therapy equip you to understand and apply the complexities of ongoing research in everyday clinical application. Effectively determine the course of malignancy and design appropriate treatment protocols by understanding the scientific underpinnings of cancer. Visually grasp and retain difficult concepts easily thanks to a user-friendly format with abundant full-color figures. Find critical information quickly with chapters following a logical sequence that moves from pathogenesis to therapy. Stay current with the latest discoveries in molecular and genomic research. Sweeping revisions throughout include eight brand-new chapters on: Tumor Suppressor Genes; Inflammation and Cancer; Cancer Systems Biology: The Future; Biomarkers Assessing Risk of Cancer; Understanding and Using Information About Cancer Genomes; The Technology of Analyzing Nucleic Acids in Cancer; Molecular Abnormalities in Kidney Cancer; and Molecular Pathology. Access the entire text and illustrations online, fully searchable, at Expert Consult.

PSA screening remains highly controversial due to several important disadvantages. More PSA is produced with prostatic enlargement and in other benign conditions such as urinary tract infections. False positive tests can then lead to unnecessary diagnostic workup with invasive prostate biopsy. Another major problem with screening programs in general is overdiagnosis of cancers that would not have caused harm during the patient's lifetime. For example, many prostate cancers have a relatively indolent behavior so may not require diagnosis or treatment in a patient with limited life expectancy. All forms of prostate cancer treatment have potential urinary and sexual side effects, so reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment are critical public health issues. Because screening has many proven benefits but also significant harms, there are widely disparate guidelines on prostate cancer screening from major organizations worldwide. This issue of the Urologic Clinics will provide insights into the many different prostate cancer guidelines and related policy issues.

Prostate brachytherapy has been the subject of heated debate among surgeons and the proponents of the various brachytherapy methods. This very first interdisciplinary book on the subject provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in low dose rate (LDR), high dose rate (HDR), and pulsed dose rate (PDR) interstitial brachytherapy for the management of local or locally advanced prostate cancer. In addition to detailed chapters on patient selection and the use of imaging in diagnostics, treatment guidance, and implantation control, background chapters are included on related medical physics issues such as treatment planning and quality assurance. The results obtained with the different treatment options and the difficult task of salvage treatment are fully discussed. All chapters have been written by internationally recognized experts who for more than a decade have formed the teaching staff responsible for the successful GEC-ESTRO/EAU Prostate Brachytherapy Teaching Course.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics is focused on Prostate Cancer and highlights topics such as: Prevention, Early Detection, Biomarkers, Risk stratification, Imaging in Prostate Cancer, Adjuvant hormonal therapy, Management of patient with biochemical relapse, Management of patient with newly metastatic disease, and Bone Health Management.

Molecular pathology is based on the emergence of new techniques that greatly enhance the diagnostic accuracy when facing with challenging differential diagnoses. In addition, new molecular techniques are entering the clinical arena for their value in predicting therapy response and tumor prognosis. This book provides a guide for the practicing pathologist and for both pathology residents and fellows during the daily sign-out of challenging cases. The book is organized by anatomical systems and provides a detailed description of molecular tests that may help in the diagnosis. Furthermore, a description of the current molecular tests required to identify patients for treatment is offered. The application of molecular pathology techniques to the clinical practice has already shown its usefulness and the number of such tests is growing exponentially as more molecular targets are discovered. Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics of Cancer will give practicing and training pathologists an up-to date resource to guide the correct management of pathology cases requiring molecular testing.

Gene therapy as a treatment for cancer is at a critical point in its evolution. Exciting new developments in gene targeting and vector technology, coupled with results from the first generation of preclinical and clinical studies have led to the design and testing of new therapeutic approaches. The Third Edition of "Gene Therapy of Cancer" provides crucial updates on the basic and applied sciences of gene therapy. It offers a comprehensive assessment of the field including the areas of suicide gene therapy, oncogene and suppressor gene targeting, immunotherapy, drug resistance gene therapy, and the genetic modification of stem cells. Researchers at all levels of development, from basic laboratory investigators to clinical practitioners, will find this book to be instructive.

Cancer gene therapy, like cancer therapy in general, is evolving rapidly, testing new concepts, targets and pathways, evoking new technologies, and passing new regulatory hurdles. Its essence, however, has not changed: the hope and challenges of returning altered genes to normal, using targeted gene expression to alter the function of both tumor and microenvironment, and in some cases normal cells, and delivering functionally important genes to specific cell types to increase sensitivity to killing or to protect normal cells from cancer therapies.

In some instances, gene therapy for cancer forms a continuum from gene repair through the use of molecularly modified cells; the use of viral and non-viral vector based gene delivery to both tumor and tumor microenvironment; the use of viral and gene based vaccines; and development of new gene-based therapeutics. The unique mechanistically chosen vector platforms are at the heart of this technology because they allow for direct and selective cell death and transient to sustained delivery of vaccine molecules or molecules that affect the microenvironment, vasculature, or the immune response.
Explains the underlying cancer biology necessary for understanding proposed therapeutic approaches Presents in-depth description of targeting systems and treatment strategiesCovers the breadth of gene therapy approaches including immunotherapeutic, drug resistance, oncolytic viruses, as well as regulatory perspectives from both the NCI and FDA

"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 covers AEG-1/MTDH/Lyric implicated in multiple human cancers.
Provides information on cancer researchOutstanding and original reviewsSuitable for researchers and students