Lung cancer and autoimmune diseases are complex entities in that they involve gene disturbance, gene polymorphism, and impaired gene repair mechanisms. The volume focuses on altered gene expression in tumor processes and in chronic autoimmune disorders. The chapters discuss the biological rationale for novel disease protein markers, present relevant clinical results, and give some diagnostic and therapeutic tips.

The main objective of this book is to provide an up-to-date survey of the rapidly advancing eld of cancer therapy. Moreover, since our knowledge in this area rapidly evolves, some data have got obsolete during the process of book editing. Our understanding of the mechanisms involved in cancer genesis and progression underwent unprecedented expansion during the last decade, opening a new era of cancer treatment - targeted therapy. The surge in this area results in no small part from studies conducted jointly by basic health scientists and clinical investigators. It is our hope that this book will help foster even further collaboration between investigators in these two disciplines. The target of rapamycin (TOR) was rst identi ed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and subsequently in mammals (mTOR) as a conserved atypical serine/threonine kinase. In mammalian cells, mTOR exists in at least two multi-protein complexes that have critical roles in regulating cellular homeostasis and survival. As with many other areas of science, discovery of TOR signaling was fortuitous. Rapamycin was isolated as a product of the soil bacteria Streptomyces hygroscopicus, identi ed in a soil sample taken from the island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Rapamycin was rst discovered to be a potent antifungal agent and next as an immune suppressive drug. It was only later that it was found to be active as an antitumor agent in non-clinical models; although it was not developed for this indication. The history of rapamycin presents one of the rst examples of chemical genetics.

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.

Accumulating evidence supports the role of defects in post-transcriptional gene regulation in the development of cancer. RNA and Cancer examines the recent advances in our understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation, especially RNA processing and its role in cancer development and treatment. A particular focus is mRNA splicing, but other topics such as microRNAs, mRNA stability, the perinucleolar compartment, and oligonucleotide therapeutics are also covered in detail. All chapters have been written by internationally renowned experts. The book is intended for all with an interest in gene regulation and cancer biology, and especially for those not directly working on RNA biology, including clinicians and medical students. It is hoped that it will stimulate further innovative research collaborations between RNA biologists and cancer researchers to the benefit of patients.

The purpose of this book is to provide a current perspective on the epidemiology head and neck cancer. Cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx comprise an important group of tumors with diverse international patterns of incidence and mortality, established risk factors, suggested association with a virus, and potential genetic susceptibility determinants. These tumors offer a unique insight into mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression and gene-exposure interaction.

The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including Mdm2 - a regulator of cell growth and death; the systematic progression of human cancer; seizing of T-cells by human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type II; host cell dependent expression of latent Epstein-Barr virus genomes; and gene expression profiling of renal cell carcinoma and its implications in diagnosis prognosis and therapeutics.
The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including Mdm2 - a regulator of cell growth and death; the systematic progression of human cancer; seizing of T-cells by human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type II; host cell dependent expression of latent Epstein-Barr virus genomes; and gene expression profiling of renal cell carcinoma and its implications in diagnosis prognosis and therapeutics.

* 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.

The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics.
The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics.

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.

The book covers the complete field of testis cancer including the germ cell tumors and the stromal tumors, from epidemiology to new chemotherapeutic agents and schedules, throughout genetic features, risk factors, risk adapted treatments, role of different types of surgery and special clinical situations. Special attention is focused on fertility issues, late effects of the primary therapy and the economical aspects of the different treatment policies.

As a result of the third Consensus Conference, a consensual follow-up can be devised and a chapter dedicated to this controversial and not yet defined matter.

This book is the state-of-the-art reference text on testis cancer and is an essential resource for all urologists, medical oncologists and radio-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.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Metastatic lung cancer is responsible for more than ninety percent of lung cancer related deaths. However, relatively little progress has been made in understanding the process of lung cancer metastasis. The two main aims of this book are a) to introduce clinical aspects to basic scientists and basic molecular and cellular concepts to clinical investigators, in order to promote collaboration and foster much needed translational research; and b) to introduce new and emerging concepts and approaches in metastasis research to lung cancer research community at large. In this attempt, the book will cover a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from the current trends in the clinical management of the metastatic disease, to the systems biology approach for gaining insights into the mechanisms of metastasis. Some of the subjects covered will include: defining basic hallmarks of a metastatic cell, the concept of tumor stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, evasion of immune-surveillance, tumor-stromal interactions, angiogenesis, molecular imaging and biomarker discovery.

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.

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.

This volume will be the first to provide a comprehensive description of tumor dormancy. It will define the clinical and biological aspects of this phenomenon, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with tumor dormancy. Chapters will be authored by world-renewed experts who are conducting cutting-edge research in the field. A unique feature will be a conclusive paragraph detailing future development and foreseeable clinical applications at the end of each chapter. The volume will serve as a fundamental instrument for every researcher and clinician interested in the field of tumor dormancy as well as a means of disseminating stimulating concepts and prompting the development of innovative technological solutions.

Breast and prostate cancers are both hormone-dependent, at least in some stages of their progression. Hormonal manipulation represents an important therapeutic approach. Although most of breast and prostate cancers initially respond to hormone therapy, most tumors reinitiate to growth. Finally, hormone-resistant and metastatic breast and prostate cancers may develop. Thus, the challenge is the dissection of mechanisms by which steroid receptor signaling pathways continue to influence cell growth and invasiveness. Compelling evidence indicates that steroid hormones elicit non-genomic responses in extra-nuclear compartment of target cells. In this cellular location, steroid-coupled receptors rapidly recruit signaling effectors or scaffold proteins and activate multiple pathways leading to proliferation, survival, migration and invasiveness. The immediate challenge is the dissection of key events regulating the steroid response of target tissues to prevent progression and improve treatment of breast and prostate cancers.

By detailing experimental and basic research, from premalignancy to fully invasive tumors, this book has wide applicability to all human carcinomas. No other group of human cancers is better positioned for the application of recently developed novel and targeted therapies, and this book uniquely presents the unusual opportunities tumors of the head and neck provide for clinical, translational, and basic science research. Cutting-edge and experimental treatment approaches are presented, along with future strategies and an evaluation of emerging technologies.
Key Features
* Presents a multi-disciplinary perspective from authorities in diverse fields
* Addresses state-of-the art approaches in cancer research as well as other scientific opportunities in this field
* Provides comprehensive yet easily comprehendible source of information

The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including HAMLET and tumor cells; survivin and apoptosis control; retroviral insertional mutagenesis; aberrant ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of cell cycle regulatory proteins and oncogenesis; and epigenetic variability and the evolution of human cancer.
The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including HAMLET and tumor cells; survivin and apoptosis control; retroviral insertional mutagenesis; aberrant ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of cell cycle regulatory proteins and oncogenesis; and epigenetic variability and the evolution of human cancer.

The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including chromosome instability in cancer; telomerase inhibitors as an option for chemotherapy; avian retrovirus pathogenicity; Epstein-Barr virus and undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma; immunotherapy for prostate cancer; and the role of lymphocytes in anti-tumor immunity.
The Advances in Cancer Research series provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This volume presents outstanding and original reviews on a variety of topics, including chromosome instability in cancer; telomerase inhibitors as an option for chemotherapy; avian retrovirus pathogenicity; Epstein-Barr virus and undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma; immunotherapy for prostate cancer; and the role of lymphocytes in anti-tumor immunity.

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.

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.

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

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.