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

This issue, focusing on Breast Cancer, includes topics such as: Radiation Therapy for DCIS, Axillary dissection, Pathology in the age of personalized breast cancer treatment:, Clinical implications for breast cancer subsets defined by molecular diagnostics, Management of CNS Metastases in Breast Cancer, Endocrine therapy for advanced breast cancer, Targeting the PI3K pathway in breast cancer, Treating the Older Breast Cancer Patient, Adjuvant chemotherapy in the age of targeted treatment, and Novel radiotherapy approaches for early breast cancer

First published in 1943, "Vitamins and Hormones" is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology and enzyme mechanisms.

Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, "Vitamins and Hormones" continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

This volume focuses on hormones and breast cancer.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This issue focuses on Sarcoma in areas such as: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Risk assessment and adjuvant therapy, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Management of metastatic disease and emerging therapies, Liposarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Update in treatment and targets in cartilage and bone tumors, Update in treatment and targets in Ewing sarcoma, Angiosarcoma and Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma, Emerging therapies for sarcoma, and Treatment of localized sarcomas.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics is guest edited by Dr. A. Koneti Rao and focuses on Disorder of the Platelets. Article titles include: Mechanisms of Platelet Activation and Inhibition, Testing Platelet Function, Clinical Implications of Platelet Genomics and Proteomics, Congenital Thrombocytopenias, Immune Thrombocytopenias, Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia, and Functional defects: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and beyond

This unique book provides a retrospective analysis of the changes in survival outcomes at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center over the past six decades. Since opening its doors in 1944, M.D. Anderson has kept a continuous, uninterrupted data repository of the treatment and outcomes of each of its patients. It is this visionary database from the center s tumor registry which makes this groundbreaking book possible. Tracking results across time, this book shows radical shifts in outcomes trends, where great progress has been made, and where there is still a long way to go, and offers a snapshot into the parallel history of developments in care. Such data is crucial to informing how patients are counseled, how treatment decisions are determined, and how prognoses are made.

"60 Years of Survival Outcomes at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center" is the only book to concurrently present longitudinal data on survival outcomes across the spectrum of rare and common cancers. Each chapter deals with a specific disease site, discussing current management approaches and presenting key data replete with illustrative charts, graphs, and tables. With the resources available only to the practitioners at this inimitable institution, this book heralds a cornerstone moment in the study of survival outcomes and the depth of our knowledge of cancer care. "

Extensive research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer has heralded a new age of targeted therapy. The field of personalized cancer therapy is now growing rapidly, and the progress being made will result in significant changes in the treatment algorithms for cancer patients. Numerous novel targets that are crucial for the survival of cancer cells can be attacked by small molecules such as protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This book, written by acknowledged experts, discusses in detail the most recent developments in targeted cancer therapy using small molecules. A wide range of small molecules is covered, including, in addition to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR, proteasome, and multikinase inhibitors, among others. For each molecule, aspects such as chemical structure, mechanism of action, drug targets, drug interactions, preclinical studies, clinical trials, treatment applications, and toxicity are discussed.

Cervical Cancer screening, which includes the PAP test and HPV testing is an essential part of a woman's routine healthcare. This issue of the Ob/Gyn Clinics covers colposcopy and screening for women at all stages of life, along with the HPV vaccine, treatment options, and what is on the horizon regarding ever-changing screening methods.

While cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx were overwhelming found in smokers and drinkers, a dramatic shift is occurring with a dramatic rise in the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers while oral cavity cancers and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers appear to be declining in incidence, reflecting the reduction in cigarette smoking. These trends also have implications for how Otolaryngologists prevent, diagnose, workup, treat, and follow these patients. The focus of information in this issue is on oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer and the implications of the HPV epidemic on this disease. Amongst the medical community during this period of trying to better grasp the association of HPV with oropharyngeal cancers, there are misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of these important shifts which are addressed by Guest Editors Jeffrey Myers and Erich Sturgis of the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Topics include: Epidemiology- Control of a tobacco epidemic? But emergence of a HPV epidemic?; Oral cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Genomics; Why Otolaryngologists need to be aware of Fanconi anemia; Impact on HPV on Orpharyngeal Cancer Biology and Response to Therapy-Implications for Treatment; Oral premalignancy- The roles of early detection and chemoprevention; Evaluation and staging- Limitations despite technological breakthroughs; 7) Surgical treatment innovations; Radiotherapy- The "Particle-rs? of energy, dose, and delivery method; Systemic Treatment- Its role before, during, and after definitive treatment; How to maximize functional assessment/rehabilitation; Standardizing treatment for Cancers - An approach to cancer care or crisis?; Survivorship in Oral Cancer- Competing mortalities, morbidities, and second malignancies.

This issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics devoted to Therapy for Esophageal Cancer will be Guest Edited by Dr. Wayne Hofstetter. Articles in this issue include: Radiographic and Endoscopic staging of esophageal cancer; Endoscopic management of HGD/Early stage esophageal cancer; Induction chemotherapy for esophageal cancer; Personalizing therapy for esophageal cancer patients; Surgery for esophageal cancer: Goals of resection and optimizing outcomes (Lymph node dissection in esophageal cancer/R0 Resection); Standardizing Esophagectomy Complications; Adjuvant therapy (post-op) for esophageal cancer; Definitive CXRT for esophageal cancer; Salvage Esophagectomy in the management of recurrent or persistent esophageal cancer; and Quality of life after curative resection for esophageal cancer.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America is devoted to Practical Radiation Oncology and is Guest Edited by Dr. Christopher Willett. Articles in this issue include: Radiotherapy After Mastectomy; Contemporary Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer; Image Guided Brachytherapy: An Update for Gynecologic Surgeons; Radiation Therapy in the Current Management of Anal and Rectal Cancer; Novel Approaches to Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Metastases Using Thermal Ablation and Thermosensitive Liposomes; Contemporary Integration of Radiation Oncology with Surgery as Combined Modality Treatment; Chemoradiation Therapy: Localized Esophageal, Gastric, and Pancreatic Cancer; Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Pulmonary Malignancies; Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery for Tumors of the Central Nervous System; Practical Radiation Oncology for Extremity Sarcomas; Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer; and Present and Future Innovations in Radiation Oncology.

This long overdue title provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, state-of-the art review of approved biologic therapies, with coverage of mechanisms of action, Indications for therapy, immunogenicity and a detailed examination of adverse effects and safety of the many and diverse therapeutic agents presented in a total of 13 chapters. It is predicted that by 2016, biologics will make up half of the world's 20 top-selling drugs and by 2018, biologic medicine sales will account for almost half of the world's 100 biggest selling drugs. Recombinant proteins dominate the growing list of the more than 200 approved biotherapeutic agents with targeted antibodies, fusion proteins and receptors; cytokines; hormones; enzymes; proteins involved in blood-clotting, homeostasis and thrombosis; vaccines; botulinum neurotoxins; and, more recently, biosimilar preparations, comprising the majority of approved biologics. Written with clinicians, other health care professionals, and researchers in mind, Safety of Biologics Therapy examines, in a single volume, the full range of issues surrounding the safety of approved biologic therapies. A good understanding of the risks and safety issues of modern biologics therapy is increasingly being demanded of all those connected with their development, handling, prescribing, administration and subsequent patient management. In addition to being of great value to clinicians in all branches of medicine, and to nurses, pharmacists and researchers, this book will prove invaluable for students taking undergraduate and graduate courses in the above disciplines and in the biomedical sciences.

While HIV-1 continues to be well-researched, this detailed volume draws attention to other members of the Retrovirus family, namely the Human T-lymphotropic Viruses (HTLVs), featuring the most updated technical information about HTLV determination and the methods to investigate their interaction with the host immune system and interfering pathogens. The contents include essential aspects of epidemiology and virus transmission, novel and robust methodologies for studying the effects of trans-activating regulatory HTLVs' proteins, the latest techniques for genotyping and gene expression analysis, as well as cellular phenotype and dynamics. 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 practical, Human T-Lymphotropic Viruses: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to an area of study that is very much worthy of further research.

"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.

Dating Neurological Injury: A Forensic Guide for Radiologists, Other Expert Medical Witnesses, and Attorneys presents a unique way to approach the dating of neurological injury as imaged by modern computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and ultrasound (US). Chapters are presented in a logical progression beginning with the general appearance of normal brain and progressing to the way abnormalities manifest themselves. The emphasis in these discussions is on the appearance of edema and of hemorrhage, as these two findings are the brain's most common response to injury. This volume presents in a systematic fashion the principles involved in the interpretation of images of the central nervous system specifically in a medical-legal setting where concern exists about the occurrence and timing of an injury. Dating Neurological Injury: A Forensic Guide for Radiologists, Other Expert Medical Witnesses, and Attorneys is a welcome addition to institutional, medical, and legal libraries, and to the personal libraries of malpractice defense and plaintiff lawyers and physicians in the neurosciences (neurosurgery, neurology, neuropathology, and neuroradiology) involved in medical-legal issues.

This book offers in a single volume a unique collection of the state-of the-art experimental procedures utilized for the induction, detection, and modeling of this complex cellular program of oncogene-induced senescence. The book encompasses protocols for studying this multi-step program in human specimens and a variety of experimental models including cultured mammalian cells, laboratory mice, and Drosophila melanogaster, as well as offering a description of high throughput approaches. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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 practical, Oncogene-Induced Senescence: Methods and Protocols represents a valuable asset for a wide audience of medical oncologists and researchers in the fields of oncology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and animal development.

In multicellular organisms, communication between cells involves secretion of proteins that bind to receptors on neighboring cells. While this has been well documented, another mode of intercellular communication has recently become the subject of increasing interest: the release of exosomes. In cancer, tumor exosomes are involved in various aspects of pathogenesis, including proliferation, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Given the ability of exosomes to export unneeded endogenous molecules from cells, these structures hold great potential as anticancer therapeutic agents. They are also being studied as prognostic markers for cancer.

This issue of the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America, Guest Edited by Dr. William G. Cance, is devoted to Translational Cancer Research for Surgeons. Translational Cancer research aims to move bench research to the bedside by applying basic science toward potential therapies. This issue will present the concepts of translational research and development of targeted therapeutics, and its implications for surgeons. It will show clinical applications for surgeons regarding sarcoma/GIST, melanoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and endocrine cancer.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics is edited by Dr. Jennifer Brown and focuses on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Article topics include: What Have Recent Genomic Advances Taught us About CLL?, Biology of CLL in Different Microenvironments, What is the Significance of Stereotyped BCRs in CLL?, Understanding Immunodeficiency in CLL, MBL vs CLL: How Important is the Distinction?, Risk Stratification of CLL in 2012, Minimal Residual Disease Measurement in CLL, The BTK Inhibitor PCI-32765 in CLL, and Evolving Role of Stem Cell Transplantation in CLL

This book provides a comprehensive look at renal cell carcinoma, exploring its biology as well as current and future molecular targets for renal cancer carcinoma.

The field of interventional bronchoscopy is rapidly expanding and has emerged as a new and exciting subspecialty in pulmonary medicine. To date, the impact of interventional bronchoscopy procedures has been felt in diagnosis, staging, and management of lung cancer, the most lethal cancer worldwide. Interventional Bronchoscopy: A Clinical Guide provides a state-of-the art description of interventional bronchoscopy procedures, addressing the scientific basis, indications, techniques, results, complications, and cost issues. Chapters address the current status, the advantages of new techniques and, most importantly, when to choose new techniques over the existing techniques. Each chapter will discuss the future of these procedures. Interventional Bronchoscopy: A Clinical Guide is an essential resource for a successful interventional pulmonology service and will be useful for the bronchoscopist, anesthesiologist, radiologist, thoracic surgeon and oncologist as well as practicing pulmonologists who do not perform these procedures but have to make decisions regarding appropriate referral of their patients to advanced airway centers.