"Skin Cancer: A Practical Approach" presents a comprehensive and up to date overview on skin cancer. With an emphasis on practical aspects that will set the basis for guidelines of treatment, the volume presents different diagnostic tools to help physicians obtain the proper diagnosis.

Written by a worldwide base of experts selected on their recognized expertise on the different themes discussed, "Skin Cancer: A Practical Approach" is a valuable resource for investigators in the field of skin cancer, including pathologists, medical and surgical oncologists, dermatologists, general surgeons, and veterinary oncologists

This volume explores the latest developments in a novel area of molecular biology and a hot topic in the field of oncology: cancer stem cells. These chapters from expert contributing authors present concepts such as the universal stem cell, new molecular pathways, new targeted agents, the different roles that cancer stem cells seem to have according to the organ they are placed in, and the future role that targeting cancer stem cells may have in the management of patients in the clinic.

Exploring the latest research including new data from randomized trials, this book examines important proposals over the origin of cancer stem cells such as the possibility that cancer stem cells may arise from mutated stem cells or a fully differentiated cell that may undergo several mutations that drive it back to a stem-like state. The authors consider the role that stem cells seem to have in the onset, development and resistance to classical antitumoral treatments of cancer and discuss possible potential future treatment modalities for the management of advanced cancer patients.

The question, "Are stem cells involved in cancer?" may not have a simple answer, but ongoing investigations, in-depth consideration and a broad spectrum of information can be found in this book, allowing the reader to arrive at his or her own answer.

This book will appeal to researchers in the field of oncology and cancer research and biomedical scientists with an interest in stem cells.

This volume discusses the latest advancements and technologies used in cancer drug resistance research. Cancer Drug Resistance: Overviews and Methods contains chapters that cover topics such as: studying the mechanics of resistance to DNA damaging therapeutic drugs; studies to delineate the role of efflux transporters; expression of drug transporters; resistance to targeted therapies in breast cancer; the role of microRNAs in current pancreatic cancer treatment; and cancer exosomes as mediators of drug resistance or clinical and molecular methods in drug development and the use of bioinformatics in the management of cancer drug resistance data. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include overviews of the main issues in cancer drug resistance and the respective mechanisms, as well as 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, Cancer Drug Resistance: Overviews and Methods, is a valuable resource to researchers, oncobiologists and clinical oncologists or anyone else who is interested in the study of cancer and its drug resistances.

* Discusses cancer cell biology in relation to Genome stability and Cell cycle regulation Unique assembly of experts in these fields who wrote a comprehensive and deep up-to-date overview Discusses models for the understanding of DNA damage-dependent signal transduction and regulation in human cells Since the establishment of the DNA structure researchers have been highly interested in the molecular basis of the inheritance of genes and of genetic disorders. Scientific investigations of the last two decades have shown that, in addition to oncogenic viruses and signalling pathways alterations, genomic instability is important in the development of cancer. This view is supported by the findings that aneuploidy, which results from chromosome instability, is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Chromosomal instability also underpins our fundamental principles of understanding tumourigenesis: It thought that cancer arises from the sequential acquisition of genetic alterations in specific genes. In this hypothesis, these rare genetic events represent rate-limiting bottlenecks' in the clonal evolution of a cancer, and pre-cancerous cells can evolve into neoplastic cells through the acquisition of somatic mutations. This book is written by international leading scientists in the field of genome stability. Chapters are devoted to genome stability and anti-cancer drug targets, histone modifications, chromatin factors, DNA repair, apoptosis and many other key areas of research. The chapters give insights into the newest development of the genome stability and human diseases and bring the current understanding of the mechanisms leading to chromosome instability and their potential for clinical impact to the reader.

With a particular emphasis on tumor dormancy in breast, lung, prostate, and liver cancers, as well as in melanoma, this first volume of a new Springer series focuses on the interrelationship between biological processes of aging and tumors -- both dormant and quiescent. With detail supplied by numerous international researchers at the forefront of cancer research, the book examines a host of differing aspects of the topic. Featured contributions analyze the role of the quiescent state in regulating hematopoietic and muscle stem cells. They also explore the mediation, by the kinase, in the reversible quiescent state of a subset of ovarian, pancreatic, and colon cancers. The book includes key research on the molecular mechanisms underlying stress-induced cellular senescence, in addition to those governing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and the induction of premature senescence. It also provides information on suppressing cellular senescence in the most common, and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans, glioblastoma multiforme. With comprehensive and cutting-edge information on therapeutic interventions and on the correct diagnosis of relevant neoplasms, and with numerous color illustrations, this is the most up-to-date assessment of current medical knowledge in this crucial area of medical research.

Hedgehog-GLI Signaling in Human Disease represents the first compilation of up-to-date reviews by top-level scientists in this important field of research. The chapters cover a wide spectrum of related interests, from the molecular bases of morphogen function, to human genetics to cancer research. The aim of the book is to disseminate information on this exciting field, to allow students, scientists and the public in general to gain access current information from research leaders and to provide a book that encompasses different aspects of research showing the fusion of basic research in model systems and medicine. This is a timely primer on how a system of cell communication, Hedgehog-GLI signaling, plays a critical role in human disease and thus provides the background for the development of novel and rational therapies.

This book presents a systematic survey of different local treatments in inflammatory joint diseases and their potential side effects and complications. Both surgical therapies and pharmaceutical strategies involving local or systemic application of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugs are addressed. Special emphasis is placed on nuclear medicine therapy by intra-articular instillation of beta radiation emitters, known as radiosynoviorthesis or radiation synovectomy. Possible complications, in particular radionecrosis, infection, and thromboembolism, are described and available treatment strategies are examined in detail. In addition, radiation safety considerations are critically reviewed and relevant clinical questions are discussed. While radiosynoviorthesis is an effective and safe treatment if a proper indication is secured and if the application is performed by an experienced nuclear medicine physician, local complications can never be excluded with certainty. This book will support physicians who are engaged in the care and treatment of patients with inflammatory joint disease, approximately 30,000 of whom undergo radiosynoviorthesis in Europe each year.

A panel of internationally recognized research scientists and clinical investigators brings together a diverse collection of readily reproducible methods for identifying and quantifying a large number of specific genetic abnormalities associated with the broad spectrum of myeloid malignancies. Highlights include techniques for the detection of BCR-ABL mutations and resistance to imatinib mesylate, detection of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion in idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome and chronic eosinophilic leukemia, classification of AML by DNA-oligonucleotide microarrays, and detection of the V617F JAK2 mutation in myeloproliferative disorders. In addition to gene rearrangments, other prognostically relevant molecular lesions such as FLT3 mutations and WT-1 overexpression are covered.

This practical collection examines methodologies originating from the benefits of genome-wide approaches to studying epigenetics, which has opened the emerging field of epigenomics. Focusing on the areas of cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, chapters discuss three main components of the epigenome and their role in the regulation of gene expression and present a detailed method section specific to studying each component, including data analyses, troubleshooting, and feasibility in different experimental settings. The main topics are high-throughput and targeted methods for DNA methylation analysis, nucleosome position mapping, studying epigenetic effects of gut microbiota, optical imaging for detection of epigenetic aberrations in living cells, methods for microRNA, and histone code profiling. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, the book includes the kind of detail and implementation advice to encourage success in the lab. Authoritative and easily applicable, Epigenetics and Gene Expression in Cancer, Inflammatory and Immune Diseases aims to provide pharmacologists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and toxicologists with a vital background on epigenetics and state-of-the-art techniques in epigenomics.

Edward B. Lewis' science is the bridge linking experimental genetics as conducted in the first half of the 20th century, and the powerful molecular genetic approaches that revolutionized the field in its last quarter. His Nobel Prize winning studies founded the field of developmental genetics and laid the groundwork for our current understanding of the universal, evolutionarily conserved strategies controlling animal development. A lesser-known aspect of Lewis' canon is the pioneering studies he carried out on ionizing radiation and human cancer. In doing so, he was propelled into a public storm over nuclear weapons testing policy. For the first time Lewis' key publications in the fields of genetics, developmental biology, radiation and cancer are compiled within one volume. commentaries on the papers placing them in their scientific and historical context and, throughout, giving insight into Lewis' approach to science and the motivations that drove Lewis' choice of subject matter. This book will be invaluable to a wide audience of professionals in the life and biomedical sciences; including geneticists, developmental biologists, molecular biologists, radiation biologists and cancer researchers. It provides source material for advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses in genetics, developmental biology, radiation and cancer. In addition, historians of science will find it to be a valuable resource both because it contains original research publications and because of the illuminating commentary.

Cancer is one of the major health problems of our time and liver cancer is responsible for over one million deaths per year world-wide, making it the fourth most common cause of death from cancer. Surgical resection of the tumour(s) is the treatment of choice and offers the only chance of prolonged survival. Yet the best attempts are often frustrated by either advanced or co-existent disease that renders the patient non-respectable. This book tackles the many options available to doctors and patients in an attempt to combat this desperate disease.

Intraperitoneal Cancer Therapy investigates intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a variety of complex and interesting ways. The volume details major clinical trails to date, including immunotherapy, hyperthermic treatment of colo-rectal and ovarian cancers. Authors also examine regional approaches to therapy, systemic therapy, and the use of carboplatin and paclitaxel as the standard treatment for women with stages III and IV ovarian cancer. Other chapters also investigate techniques and procedures in treatment, as well as the future direction of both normothermic and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

A state-of-the art collection of readily reproducible laboratory methods for assessing chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo, and for assessing the parameters that modulate chemosensitivity in individual tumors. Chemosensitivity, Volume 2: In Vivo Models, Imaging, and Molecular Regulators contains cutting-edge protocols for classifying tumors into response categories and for customizing therapy to individuals. These readily reproducible techniques allow measurements of DNA damage, apoptotic cell death, and the molecular and cellular regulators of cytotoxicity, as well as in vivo animal modeling of chemosensitivity. A companion volume, Volume 1: In Vitro Assays contains in vitro and in vivo techniques to identify which new agents or combination of agents are effective for each type of tumor

The detailed and comprehensive observations presented in this book on acquired cystic disease of the kidney and renal cell carcinoma in dialysis patients are drawn from the author 's decades of experience. Beginning with the first clinical case in 1978 and including subsequent follow-up studies and questionnaires, the volume is an excellent clinical reference for practicing physicians. Color illustrations and numerous case studies assist the reader.

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and vaccine evaluation of the prostate tumor- associated carbohydrate antigen RM2. The author first presents the use of the [1+2+3] one-pot sequential strategy to successfully synthesise the RM2 antigen and its analogues as single stereoisomers in every glycosylation step, producing good yields and stereoselectivity. He then introduces the conjugation of the synthetic RM2 antigen to the carrier protein CRM197 in an average number of 1-10 to create the prostate cancer vaccine candidate, which is combined with -galactosylceramide C1, its analogue C34, or Alu. The results of the vaccination studies in mice are also described and indicate that the strongest anti-RM2 antigen titer is exhibited when one molecule of diphtheria toxin (DT) is conjugated with an average of 4.7 molecules of RM2 antigen (DT-RM4.7) and adjuvanted with the glycolipid C34. More importantly, the induced mouse antibodies mediate the effective complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against the prostate cancer cell line LNCap. The study presented in this thesis is the first ever to successfully synthesize this complex glycan molecule. Owing to the steric hindrance of the adjacent sialyl moiety, the introduction of two sialic acid units to the compact and rigid 3,4 di branched galactoside unit is very challenging and the -selective and efficient glycosylation of the galactosamine moiety at the 4-position of di branched galactose is also problematic.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the relationship between obesity and cancer. It opens with a global perspective on obesity and cancer incidence, followed by in-depth discussions of those cancers for which we have sufficient evidence of a causal relationship with obesity. It addresses topics such as the effects of obesity on cancer incidence and cancer survival, the effects of weight gain and weight loss in adulthood on cancer risk, the effects of childhood and adolescent obesity, and the role of body fat distribution in cancer risk. Individual chapters discuss potential pathways for the observed associations and explore possible mechanisms from both an epidemiological and an experimental perspective. It concludes with a population perspective on the cancer risk that is attributable to obesity and is thus potentially avoidable. This book is of particular value to researchers and epidemiologists and is also of interest to public health workers and clinicians.

Malignant neoplasms occurring in the biliary tract and pancreas remain a therap- tic challenge. The mechanism of carcinogenesis as well as the growth and spread of these tumors is still poorly understood, making the development of rational tre- ment strategies difficult. In order to improve the clinical results achieved by sur- cal or other medical treatment of such malignant tumors, the establishment of an experimental animal model is critical. For this purpose, attempts were made to induce carcinoma experimentally in the biliary tree and finally an animal model using the hamster was established in 1994 at our laboratory. Because the tumor in this model mimicked the characteristics of human tumors, a series of experimental investigations were conducted to clarify the pathological characteristics of biliary carcinoma, the genetic alterations during biliary carcinogenesis, and the relationship between biliary inflammation and c- cinogenesis. The chemopreventive effects on the occurrence of biliary carcinoma were also successfully examined. In addition, in vitro studies led to the establi- ment of transplantable biliary cancer cell lines and biliary epithelial cell lines by utilizing the hamster model. This monograph represents the collective efforts in hepato-biliary and pancreatic disease research over the past 20 years. I hope that this monograph will be a source of useful knowledge for basic researchers as well as for clinicians involved in the care of patients with hepato-biliary and pancreatic neoplasms. Takashi Kanematsu, M.D., Ph.D.

Rectal Cancer: International Perspectives on Multimodality Management is a timely analysis of the diagnosis, staging, pathology, and therapy of cancer of the rectum. This book is intended as a useful resource for physicians, scientists, medical students, and allied health personnel in the disciplines of radiology, gastroenterology, surgical oncology, medical onc- ogy, radiation oncology, and pathology. Renowned contributors from different medical d- ciplines have written their chapters in a thoughtful, provocative, and visual fashion. Importantly, these chapters highlight the controversies in the diagnostic, staging, and the- peutic management of patients with rectal cancer while providing practical management recommendations. This book is divided into 18 chapters. Early chapters address the diagnosis and staging of rectal cancer, highlighting the critical role of contemporary imaging in guiding treatment. The remaining chapters focus on the multimodality management of rectal cancer from the vantage points of surgery, pathology, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The major dev- opments in surgery are reviewed first, including contemporary roles of local excision, total mesorectal excision, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, organ preservation approaches, as well as the management of advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease. Following is a ch- ter describing the pathologic evaluation of rectal cancer specimens, with emphasis on proper methodology and its clinical relevance to overall disease management. The final chapters review the contemporary roles of chemotherapy (including with radiation therapy, adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings without radiation therapy, as well as in metastatic disease) as well as radiation therapy (including adjuvant and neoadjuvant approaches, short vs.

This comprehensive, yet practical, text is a ready collection of the most up-to-date information on primary CNS tumors. Authored by a carefully selected group of the world's leading clinicians and scientists, the book is divided into three sections. The opening chapters cover general principles, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, tumor stem cells, supportive care, complications of therapy, and quality of life. The remaining two sections are comprised of treatment-oriented chapters covering the spectrum of gliomas and rarer tumor types. Each of these chapters presents multi-disciplinary therapeutic approaches and addresses specific disease concerns. Throughout, the authors incorporate the cutting-edge advances in molecular biology and genomics that are revolutionizing neuro-oncology. The result is an important clinical resource which provides evidence-based data and interpretation essential to intelligent therapeutic decision making.

Precis This book is a treatise about the origin of cancers. I would like to convince readers that the basic tenets of the theory of a stem-cell origin of cancers also constitute a unified theory of cancer. Stem-cell origin of normal (and cancer) cells: Vitruvian version Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. In the first it is ridiculed, in the second, it is opposed, in the third, it is regarded as self-evident. - Arthur Schopenhauer v vi Preface Every person has a unique story to tell. My story is about cancer. Cancer touches the lives of countless people. Often enough, it leaves indelible tracks. Many lives have been lost; others are forever changed. For those who confront this deadly scourge, there is a sense of urgency, if not of desperation. For those who face im- nent death, life becomes even more precious and carries a special meaning. As an oncologist, I am touched daily by cancer. I feel its inception, evolution, and aft- math. It seems as though we are fighting an incessant war against cancer at the front line in the trenches. This is my story about cancer. Some people are terrific storytellers. Others have incredible tales to tell.

The thoroughly updated and revised third edition of Management of Prostate Cancer provides concise and authoritative guidance to today's best therapeutic regimens for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Highlighting the latest major advances in the field, the book includes chapters on the most controversial areas of prostate cancer - screening, chemoprevention, and active surveillance; updated chapters on genetic risk and progression, biopsy schemes, treatment of complications, and comparative treatment outcomes for surgery; and new chapters on risk factors, new markers, nomograms, and focal therapy. This volume also features overviews of new and emerging drugs and treatment paradigms for castrate resistant disease, advances that promise to extend life and perhaps even cure a subset of men with metastatic disease. With its comprehensive illustrations and contributions from renowned experts in the field, Management of Prostate Cancer, 3rd Edition is an invaluable resource for practitioners in the treatment of prostate cancer.

This book provides a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the many facets relating to human health risk assessments in relation to chemical exposure problems. It presents some very important tools and methodologies that can be used to address chemical exposure and public health risk management problems in a consistent, efficient, and cost-effective manner. On the whole, the book represents a collection and synthesis of the principal elements of the risk assessment process that may be used to more effectively address issues pertaining to human exposures to chemicals found in modern societies. This also includes an elaboration of pertinent risk assessment concepts and techniques/methodologies for performing human health risk assessments. Written for both the novice and the experienced, the subject matter of this book is an attempt at offering a simplified and systematic presentation of public health risk assessment methods and application tools - all these facilitated by a layout that will carefully navigate the user through the major processes involved. A number of illustrative example problems are interspersed throughout the book, in order to help present the book in an easy-to-follow, pragmatic manner.

Tumour-Associated Macrophages are of interest to the cancer research community, and this book is among the first to discuss a definitive theory on the role of macrophage in tumour development. It includes research and intensive discussion of Ik-B and NF-kB.

MALT Lymphomas is a multidisciplinary book that covers all the aspects of MALT lymphomas, from the molecular biology, the aetiology and the pathology, to all the possible therapeutic approaches. Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of MALT type (MALT lymphoma) is one of the lymphoma subtypes that has allowed us some of the most interesting steps forward in the understanding and treatment of human cancers.

The eight contributions have been written by a team of international experts and represent an essential reading for oncologists, haematologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and all the other physicians and researchers involved in cancer. The book is also supported by a series of figures illustrating the histology and the clinical features and the treatment.