At the time of the first edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy in 1987, this book represented the first comprehensive textbook on biological therapy. In 1991, when the second edition was published, there was still some doubt on the part of many oncologists and cancer researchers as to the therapeutic value of these new approaches. By 2003 and the fourth edition, it was generally agreed that biopharmaceuticals were producing major opportunities for new cancer therapies. Cancer biotherapy has now truly matured into the fourth modality of cancer treatment. This fifth revised edition describes the tremendous progress that has been made in recent years using biologicals in cancer treatment. This book summarizes an evolving science and a rapidly changing medical practice in biotherapy. In this new millennium, it is now possible to envision a much more diversified system of cancer research and treatment that will afford greater opportunities for a patient's personalized cancer treatment. This was first envisioned in the 1987 initial edition of this textbook and is now a "new" and popular approach to cancer treatment. Some forms of cancer biotherapy use the strategy of tumor stabilization and control through continued biological therapy, akin to the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes. This textbook illustrates new methods of thinking and new strategies for control of cancer. It is always difficult to move from past dogma to future opportunity, but this fifth edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy illustrates why it is so important to the patients for researchers and clinicians to explore and quickly apply these new opportunities in cancer biotherapy.

This book provides an up-to-date review of current management techniques for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It addresses all of the latest issues that have been raised by the discovery of oncogenic drivers and the improvement of diagnosis and therapeutic methods, including new radiotherapy techniques and anticancer strategies like immunotherapy. New strategies for patients with molecular alterations and the management of particular types of cases are also highlighted. Written by recognized experts in their field, the book represents a unique and valuable resource in the field of lung cancer, both for those currently in training and for those already in clinical or research practice.

This book reviews the significant advances in our understanding of glioma biology that have been achieved during the past decade and describes in detail the resultant new approaches to treatment. Improvements in surgical techniques, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are comprehensively covered, with discussion of their impact in decreasing patient morbidity and increasing survival. In addition, individual chapters are devoted specifically to current treatment for low-grade gliomas, anaplastic gliomas, and glioblastoma multiforme. Other topics addressed include treatment of the elderly patient, investigating emerging therapies from small molecules to immunotherapy and palliative care. This timely book will be a valuable source of up-to-date information for practitioners and will also be of interest to researchers.

Defining organs at risk is a crucial task for radiation oncologists when aiming to optimize the benefit of radiation therapy, with delivery of the maximum dose to the tumor volume while sparing healthy tissues. This book will prove an invaluable guide to the delineation of organs at risk of toxicity in patients undergoing radiotherapy. The first and second sections address the anatomy of organs at risk, discuss the pathophysiology of radiation-induced damage, and present dose constraints and methods for target volume delineation. The third section is devoted to the radiological anatomy of organs at risk as seen on typical radiotherapy planning CT scans, with a view to assisting the radiation oncologist to recognize and delineate these organs for each anatomical region – head and neck, mediastinum, abdomen, and pelvis. The book is intended both for young radiation oncologists still in training and for their senior colleagues wishing to reduce intra-institutional variations in practice and thereby to standardize the definition of clinical target volumes. ​

This book covers all aspects of chronic radiation syndrome (CRS) based on observations in a unique sample of residents of the Techa riverside villages in the southern Urals who were exposed to radioactive contamination in the 1950s owing to releases of liquid radioactive wastes. The opening chapters discuss the definition and classification of CRS, its epidemiology and pathogenesis and the pathoanatomy of CRS during the development and recovery stages. Clinical manifestations of CRS at the different stages are then described in detail and the dynamics of hematopoietic changes are thoroughly examined. In the following chapters, principles of diagnosis and differential diagnosis are discussed and current and potential treatment options, described. The medical and social rehabilitation of persons with CRS is also covered. This book, which casts new light on the condition, will be of value for all practitioners and researchers with an interest in CRS.

This book pursues a multidisciplinary approach, presenting chapters with updated information on various aspects of treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Authors have been selected from expert centers in Europe and the United States. The goal of this book is to comprehensively summarize recent data and provide inspiring ideas to optimize the care of patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors are fascinating multifaceted diseases that can primarily localize in many organs with various presentations. These tumors are rare but their increasing incidence renders likely that physicians caring for cancers may have either already faced or may be certainly exposed to diagnose and/or treat a patient with neuroendocrine tumors. Over the last years, novel therapeutic options have emerged for neuroendocrine tumors, profoundly challenging practices that had previously been the standards for decades. These include - but are not limited to - somatostatin analogues, targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase and mTOR inhibitors, antiangiogenic compounds, but also peptide-receptor targeted therapy or radioembolization. This changing field has generated novel treatment algorithms to guide medical decisions. To better understand and handle the multidisciplinary approaches that are required for optimizing the care of neuroendocrine tumor patients, physicians are now looking for references from experts and comprehensive reviews summarizing current knowledge on treatments for patients with neuroendocrine tumors.

The book provides a detailed, up-to-date account of the basics, the technology, and the clinical use of ion beams for radiation therapy. Theoretical background, technical components, and patient treatment schemes are delineated by the leading experts that helped to develop this field from a research niche to its current highly sophisticated and powerful clinical treatment level used to the benefit of cancer patients worldwide. Rather than being a side-by-side collection of articles, this book consists of related chapters. It is a common achievement by 76 experts from around the world. Their expertise reflects the diversity of the field with radiation therapy, medical and accelerator physics, radiobiology, computer science, engineering, and health economics. The book addresses a similarly broad audience ranging from professionals that need to know more about this novel treatment modality or consider to enter the field of ion beam therapy as a researcher. However, it is also written for the interested public and for patients who might want to learn about this treatment option.

Photon Radiation Therapy for Skin Malignancies is a vital resource for dermatologists interested in radiation therapy, including the physics and biology behind treatment of skin cancers, as well as useful and pragmatic formulas and algorithms for evaluating and treating them. Dermatology has always been a field that overlaps multiple medical specialties and this book is no exception, with its focus on both dermatologists and radiation oncologists. It is estimated that between 2010 and 2020, the demand for radiation therapy will exceed the number of radiation oncologists practicing in the U.S. tenfold, which could profoundly affect the ability to provide patients with sufficient access to treatment. Photon Radiation Therapy for Skin Malignancies enhances the knowledge of dermatologists and radiation oncologists and presents them with the most up-to-date information regarding detection, delineation and depth determination of skin cancers, and appropriate biopsy techniques. In addition, the book also addresses radiation therapy of the skin and the skin's reactions to radiation therapy.

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 Recent Results in Cancer Research volume contains the majority of the invited expert contributions from the First St. Gallen EORTC Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference, held on 22-24 March 2012 in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Written by some of the world's leading experts in the field, the volume constitutes a comprehensive update on recent developments in the imaging, molecular biology, pathology, and multidisciplinary management of early cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. The latest recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment are provided, and areas of consensus and controversy, identified. While the principal focus is on esophageal and gastric cancer, advances in the treatment of colorectal and pancreatic cancer are also discussed in some detail. This book will be of interest to every clinician involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus has a lower incidence than other gastrointestinal tract cancer; however, there are many difficult issued related to the choice of appropriate therapy for these patients. In recent years, the use of multimodal treatment has greatly improved the prognosis of patients affected by this disease but several aspects of the oncological and surgical management are still controversial. This book aims to give a homogeneous approach to esophageal cancer treatment, based on the author's lifetime experience in conjunction with exhaustive review of recent literature. In each chapter surgeons and oncologists will find appropriate tools for correct management of the diagnosis and therapy of this difficult disease. The book analyzes all the aspects of staging and treatment, such as modern diagnostic and staging techniques (MRI or PET-CT), endoscopic treatment of early cancer, new minimally invasive and open surgical techniques, and combined treatment. In addition, there are chapters dedicated to the postoperative course of these patients, as well as their quality of life, with indications for the correct follow-up and treatment of relapses.

Razoxane and dexrazoxane are two novel drugs with some uniquely useful features. They block cell division at the G2/M border, but nowhere else, so that they have a low toxicity profile. They suppress tumor metastasis and haemorrhages through normalization of pathological blood vessels. Razoxane potentiates radiotherapy especially in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas and gastrointestinal neoplasms. They protect normal tissues against toxic chemicals, e.g. the myocardium against anthracyclines or subcutaneous tissue against injuries caused by incidental extravasations of anthracyclines. Dexrazoxane is the only drug approved by the FDA/EMEA for the specific purpose of preventing cardiac damage when giving the widely used and effective antitumor anthracyclines. The reduction of cardiotoxicity is achieved without response reduction or reducing of time to progression of tumors. While the full analysis of their actions at the molecular level is not yet completely understood, it seems most likely that it is via an inhibition on the topoisomerase II a. Moreover, the drugs have the ability to chelate several metals including iron, copper or zinc. The protection of normal tissues is nowhere more important than that of brain, and there are indications that the proteins thought to be responsible for the ravages of Alzheimers disease could be stabilized by one or both these drugs.

The tanning industry is a major source of pollution worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The major public concern over tanneries has traditionally been about odours and water pollution from untreated discharges. Important poll- ants associated with the tanning industry include chlorides, tannins, chromium, sulphate and sulphides as well as trace organic chemicals and, increasingly, synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, dyes and finishing agents, as well as solvents. These substances are frequently toxic and persistent, and affect both human and environmental health. The primary focus in this book was to identify the recently developed ecoto- cological analytical trends (rapid, simple and inexpensive) related to the tanning industry on terrestrial and aquatic systems. The resultant research data reported, incorporates both field related and laboratory based techniques to address under- ing environmental problems in the tanning sector. The book also includes a chapter to explore the occupational hazards in a tannery environment caused by conta- nated dust. It was important to note that an optical set-up involving microscopy and digital imaging techniques was initially used to determine dust particle numbers and size distributions as a preamble to ascertaining the dust toxicity levels.

The growing knowledge on tumor-immune response interactions and on the tumor microenvironment did not translate so far into better control of cancer by anti-tumor vaccination. The percentage of patients who benefited from vaccination strategies is still too small to justify their general use. It is the aim of this book to present an alternative to the conventional approach of developing injected tumor vaccines to activate anti-tumor immunity, which will fight cancer. It is argued that in situ tumor ablation (destruction) that involves tumor antigen release; cross presentation and the release of danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) can make the tumor its own cellular vaccine. Tumor ablation methods using chemicals, radiation, photodynamic therapy, cryoablation, high-temperature, radiofrequency, high intensity focused ultrasound, and electric-based ablation have been developed for focal tumors. In this book experts will deal with two main topics: I. What are the principles of the various ablation modalities, and II. How each method affects the tumor cells and their microenvironment, and how these effects are responsible for the induction of specific anti-tumor immunity. The aims of this book are thus: 1. Familiarize the readers with various methods of in situ tumor ablation. 2. Review the literature and stimulate comparisons on the efficacy of different ablation methods for the treatment of tumors of different histotypes. 3. Review the literature on the effects of various ablation methods on systemic and local anti tumor immunity and on other manifestations of the interactions of tumors with their microenvironment. 4. Stimulate comparative studies on the immunostimulatory effects of different ablation modalities.

The work describes a new method of sphincter salvage in surgery of rectal cancer. Low tumors of the rectum are traditionally treated with amputation of the rectum. However, this operation is not well-received by patients, since it results in a permanent colostomy. By contrast, intersphincteric resection allows sphincter salvage even in low tumors and is now widely accepted among experts in the field of colorectal surgery. The book will describe the basics (pathology,physiology, radiology) as well as the surgical technique and its different modifications.

The aim of this book is to provide a uniquely comprehensive source of information on the entire field of radiation therapy physics. The very significant advances in imaging, computational, and accelerator technologies receive full consideration, as do such topics as the dosimetry of radiolabeled antibodies and dose calculation models. The scope of the book and the expertise of the authors make it essential reading for interested physicians and physicists and for radiation dosimetrists.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among the female population. With advances in systemic therapies and modern radiotherapy techniques, breast cancer patients can have a long life-expectancy. However, it is crucial that radiation therapy is carried out with minimum complications and with the utmost efficiency. Principles and Practice of Modern Radiotherapy Techniques in Breast Cancer provides practical and current theoretical knowledge to the planning and implementation of breast cancer radiation therapy. All aspects of breast cancer are covered, including epidemiology, molecular and biological basis and integrating systemic therapies during all steps of treatment. The illustrated section of this book identifies anatomical structures in daily practice by presenting target and critical structures in actual treatment positions. These images show and mark the anatomical points of the patient lying in the position that breast radiation therapy would be performed. This text serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, residents and fellows practicing and learning breast cancer radiotherapy.

Current radiation protection standards are based upon the application of the linear no-threshold (LNT) assumption, which considers that even very low doses of ionizing radiation can cause cancer. The radiation hormesis hypothesis, by contrast, proposes that low-dose ionizing radiation is beneficial. In this book, the author examines all facets of radiation hormesis in detail, including the history of the concept and mechanisms, and presents comprehensive, up-to-date reviews for major cancer types. It is explained how low-dose radiation can in fact decrease all-cause and all-cancer mortality and help to control metastatic cancer. Attention is also drawn to biases in epidemiological research when using the LNT assumption. The author shows how proponents of the LNT assumption consistently reject, manipulate, and deliberately ignore an overwhelming abundance of published data and falsely claim that no reliable data are available at doses of less than 100 mSv.

This book is based on contributions presented at the 1st World Congress on Gallium-68 and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy, which examined recent developments in theranostics - the emerging field of molecular targeting of vectors that can be used for both diagnosis and therapy, when modified accordingly. The focus of this book is on the rapidly developing research into and clinical applications of gallium-68 and other generator-produced PET radionuclides in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors and other diseases. In addition, new PET radiopharmaceuticals are considered, and the latest ideas and concepts, presented. Theranostics embodies both molecular and personalized medicine. It is at the cutting edge of medicine, and the contents of this volume will be of interest to chemists, physicians, and investigators dealing with generators, PET radiochemistry, molecular imaging, and radionuclide therapy.

Since the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity, ionizing radiations have been widely applied in medicine both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The risks associated with radiation exposure and handling led to the parallel development of the field of radiation protection.
Pioneering experiments done by Sanche and co-workers in 2000 showed that low-energy secondary electrons, which are abundantly generated along radiation tracks, are primarily responsible for radiation damage through successive interactions with the molecular constituents of the medium. Apart from ionizing processes, which are usually related to radiation damage, below the ionization level low-energy electrons can induce molecular fragmentation via dissociative processes such as internal excitation and electron attachment. This prompted collaborative projects between different research groups from European countries together with other specialists from Canada, the USA and Australia.
This booksummarizes the advances achieved by these research groups after more than ten years of studies on radiation damage in biomolecular systems.

An extensive Part I deals with recent experimental and theoretical findings on radiation induced damage at the molecular level. It includes many contributions on electron and positroncollisions with biologically relevant molecules. X-ray and ion interactions are also covered. Part II addresses different approaches to radiation damage modelling. In Part III biomedical aspects of radiation effects are treated on different scales. After the physics-oriented focus of the previous parts, there is a gradual transition to biology and medicine with the increasing size of the object studied. Finally, Part IV is dedicated to current trends and novel techniques in radiation reserach and the applications hence arising. It includes new developments in radiotherapy and related cancer therapies, as well as technical optimizations of accelerators and totally new equipment designs, giving a glimpse of the near future of radiation-based medical treatments."

The Fourth Edition of Dr. Gopal B. Saha's Physics and Radiobiology of Nuclear Medicine was prompted by the need to provide up-to-date information to keep pace with the perpetual growth and improvement in the instrumentation and techniques employed in nuclear medicine since the last edition published in 2006. Like previous editions, the book is intended for radiology and nuclear medicine residents to prepare for the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, American Board of Radiology, and American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine examinations, all of which require a strong physics background. Additionally, the book will serve as a textbook on nuclear medicine physics for nuclear medicine technologists taking the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board examination. The Fourth Edition includes new or expanded sections and information for: * PET/MR, including the attenuation correction method and its quality control tests; * accreditation of nuclear medicine and PET facilities; * solid state digital cameras; * time of flight and scatter correction techniques; * CT scanners and attenuation correction in SPECT/CT; * partial volume effects; * quality control of CT scanners; * ion chamber survey meters, proportional counters, and G-M counters.

Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is based on the ability of the non-radioactive isotope boron-10 to capture thermal neutrons with very high probability and immediately to release heavy particles with a path length of one cell diameter, which in principle allows for tumor cell-selective high-LET particle radiotherapy. This book provides a comprehensive summary of the progress made in NCT in recent years. Individual sections cover all important aspects, including neutron sources, boron chemistry, drugs for NCT, dosimetry, and radiation biology. The use of NCT in a variety of malignancies and also some non-malignant diseases is extensively discussed. NCT is clearly shown to be a promising modality at the threshold of wider clinical application. All of the chapters are written by experienced specialists in language that will be readily understood by all participating disciplines.

The events of September 11,2001 in the United States will always be r~membered with horror and sadness but also admiration for those who risked, and often lost, their lives attempting to save others. When the Fifth International Germ Cell Tumour Conference began, the US air space was closed and our American friends were unable to join us. We were faced with a programme that now had many gaps. What happened next was an illustration of the sense of community that prevails at the Germ Cell Tumour Conferences. Some of those who could not be there in person, such as Richard Foster and Craig Nichols, sent their slides by email, and we were indebted to those, such as Michael Jewett, Ben Mead and Malcolm Mason, who stepped into the breach to present them. Others gave impromptu, and often thought provoking, talks. The discussion periods were lively and it will come as no surprise to those who regularly attend the meeting that Tim Oliver won the prize for "Most Questions Asked", managing even to ask questions following his own presentations. The quality of the talks was outstanding. There was closer integration of the adult and paediatric sessions than in previous meetings. As a result, the differences and similarities between adult male, female and paediatric germ cell tumours became more apparent. This cross-fertilization of ideas from different groups will no doubt lead to further advances. As a result of all these efforts, the conference was a great success.

Established as a classic text on nuclear chemistry and pharmacy, Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy has been thoroughly revised with new information added covering innovations in imaging technology and clinical applications in the field. The Sixth Edition also eliminates outdated information from previous editions on radiopharmaceuticals now discontinued from the market. Dr. Gopal B. Saha's books have continually been praised for their clarity and accuracy while setting new standards for making complex theoretical concepts readily understandable to the reader. Like past editions, this book is intended to be used as a textbook on nuclear chemistry and pharmacy for nuclear medicine residents and students and as a reference book for nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. New sections in the Sixth Edition include: * PET/CT and SPECT/CT * Digital Imaging * Exploratory IND * Nanoparticle Imaging * Treatment of liver cancer with 90Y-TheraSpheres and 90Y-SIR-Spheres * Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with 131I-Bexxar

Molecular Determinants of Radiation Response includes chapters by expert authors who detail the present understanding of key DNA damage response pathways and proteins. The chapters include comprehensive discussions on where and how specific alterations in function of these pathways and proteins result in substantive modifications of cellular response to DNA injury. Given the importance of therapies that induce DNA injury in the management of human disease, this book is timely and relevant for basic and translational researchers, as well as clinicians alike.