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.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Methods and Protocols outlines the research methods applied in the laboratories and clinics of those scientists and cli- cians interested in the understanding and clinical management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Part I, The Clinical Problem, has been contributed by two leading cli- cal groups who have identified and addressed problem areas related to the management of HCC patients. Various treatment modalities are discussed and emphasis is placed on the limitations they experienced. Part II, HCC Carcinogenesis, reviews the main etiological factors related to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Part III, Molecular and Biological Characteristics, provides insight into the molecular changes associated with HCC, including tumor-suppressor genes, oncogenes, adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinase, and novel genes and markers. Part IV, HCC Gene Therapy, addresses gene therapy approaches to treating hepatocellular carcinoma. It includes the use of various vectors, such as lipids, viruses such as adenoviruses and baculoviruses, and virus detection using el- tron microscopy assessment. The use of adenovirus with specific promotors, such as AFP, is also included. Preclinical and clinical data on the killing of cancer cells using tumor-suppressor genes, antisense to growth factors, immunogene therapy, or virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy are addressed.

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-resectable. This book tackles the many options available to doctors and patients in an attempt to combat this desperate disease.

This beautifully illustrated monograph provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview about all fields of liver and biliary tract surgery and liver transplantation. It consists of four sections with 48 chapters: Section I: Anatomy, physiology, imaging and general principles, Section II: Biliary tract surgery, Section III: Liver surgery and Section IV: Liver transplantation. The book includes more than 500 figures and illustrations mostly in color. Some of the topics such as computer assisted surgery planning are treated comprehensively for the first time. The book is written in a concise and well conceived way.