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.

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.

This book is an impressive compilation of contributions on the hot topic of cardiac stem cell therapy from leading groups all over the world. In the assembly of chapters, a structured approach is adopted; starting from the clinician's perspective, all developments in both the experimental and clinical research areas are covered. This journey will take the reader from the bench-top to the bedside, with all chapters written by leading authorities in their respective fields, including data still in press with medical journals. So, beyond being excellent as an overall update for scientists in the field of cardiac stem cell therapy, this book will likely prove an indispensable tool for every budding scientist considering a research project within this field.

Stem cells have generated considerable interest recently in the scientific, clinical, and public arenas. The third book in the Stem Cell Repair and Regeneration series offers contributions from numerous areas bridging medicine and the life sciences. Significant research activities in the tissue engineering or regenerative medicine (the term recently used) field started in the 1970s, and there is currently great excitement over the possibility of replacing damaged body parts through regenerative medicine.Potential strategies to replace, repair and restore the function of damaged tissues or organs include stem cell transplantation, transplantation of tissues engineered in the laboratory, and the induction of regeneration by the body's own cells. It is believed that novel cellular therapeutics outperform any medical device, recombinant protein or chemical compound. This volume explores novel stem cell therapeutic strategies for myriad diseases, including renal failure, retinal disease and myocardial infarction.