Oncology Books

Book SynopsisCervical cancer (CC) is a major global health problem. World-wide, an estimated 530,000 new cases of CC and 275,000 deaths from this disease are encountered every year. CC affects particularly women less than 45 years of age and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the developing and underdeveloped countries, where 6080% of cases are detected in advanced stages. After Human Papillomavirus (HPV) identification as the infectious etiological agent and elucidation of the natural history of CC, this tumour has become the most preventable and curable of all cancers. Well-organised screening programs with Papanicolaou (Pap) smear are known to be successful in decreasing both mortality and morbidity of this disease. This book describes the optional screening programs for CC prevention, whether organised, opportunistic or spontaneous and also their merits and weaknesses. Monitoring of the pathways and procedures of CC screening are mandatory in order to minimise the risks (wrong diagnosis, over-diagnosis, over-treatment) and maximise the benefits. In an optimal setting, the women should be the focus of the screening intervention and receive basic information on the crucial points of CC screening, so as to improve women''s collaboration and compliance. The availability of alternative new screening tools to detect pre-cancer lesions provide new opportunities for CC prevention, as do HPV vaccines implemented in early life before viral exposure. This book, rich in pictures, tables and flowcharts is a comprehensive treatise on CC screening: its 14 chapters illustrate the fundamental principles and the necessary interventions for CC prevention and control and a guide for all medical and paramedical professionals involved in the interplay of CC screening.

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Book SynopsisAn oncogene is a modified gene, or a series of nucleotides that encode a protein, and direct the cell to the development of a neoplastic phenotype. Usually, oncogenes are involved in tumour development and increase the possibility that the development of a cell directs towards cancer. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the classification, mechanisms of activation and role in cancer development of oncogenes. Topics include the role of oncogenes in gynaecological pathology; oncomirs as the next frontier of oncogenes affecting cancer aetiology and tumour progression; the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma and other malignancies; and tumour suppressers involved in DNA repair and carcinoprevention.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original research results on the leading edge of cancer. Topics discussed include coping mechanisms in patients with head and neck cancer; hepatocellular carcinoma; chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; the pathobiology of B-lymphoproliferative disorders from MBL to CLL to SLL; molecular and cellular characterisation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia; pain as a consequence in patients with early stage breast cancer treated with intracavity brachytherapy accelerated partial breast irradiation (IBAPBI); the future of anti-tumour immunotherapy; coping with childhood cancer; and the current clinical utility of Everolimus in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

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Book SynopsisGlobally, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death for women with cancer. This is a tragedy in part because cervical cancer affects women usually a decade sooner than other cancers when those women are in their reproductive years and in the prime years in the labour force. While screening with the Pap test or other more recently evaluated tests have resulted in low cervical cancer rates in high resource countries, the lack of screening options in low resource countries means that many women present with symptoms reflective of advanced disease and so the chance of survival is low even with aggressive treatment. In this book, we have an international spectrum of authors from both high and low resource settings. We review the risk factors that lead to cervical cancer. We discuss novel screening techniques including HPV testing. We present the capacity for HPV vaccines to markedly reduce cervical cancer rates. Planning and implementing an organised cervical screening program and the assessment of quality indicators as a means of evaluation is outlined. In this book, we discuss novel operative options in early stage invasive cervical cancer as a means of preserving fertility. Also, we discuss the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a means of down staging the disease. The role of surgically staging women to define more advanced disease is outlined including options for management of metastatic and/or recurrent disease with chemotherapy and targeted therapies. The special situation of women found to be pregnant during the diagnosis of pre-invasive or invasive cervical cancer; and the diagnosis and management principles are reviewed. Just as poliomyelitis has almost been eliminated in the lifetime of one generation, we look forward to the elimination of oncogenic HPV and its deadly ramifications particularly for women exposed to this virus.

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Book SynopsisThis monograph summarizes the data of the prospective study on the immunological characteristics of cancer patients with sepsis and septic shock developed after surgery. Patients without signs of infectious complications and symptoms of organ failure, as well as a group of healthy donors, were considered as references. The comparative analysis of blood parameters that characterized humoural and cell immunity (concentrations of cytokines and their receptors, immunoglobulins, lipopolysaccharide and other active biomolecules) has been performed. An estimation of diagnostic and prognostic significances of these parameters has been performed as well. In the final chapters, the properties of the new perspective hypercrosslinked polymeric hemosorbents are presented. The monograph could be interesting for a wide array of specialists in the fields of resuscitation, healthcare therapy, oncology and surgery, as well as for researchers aimed toward the development of new types of biocompatible materials.

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Book SynopsisTargeted therapy has revolutionised modern oncology practice and has completely changed the outcome of once universally fatal diseases like chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The last decade has witnessed significant advances in the management of CML, which has become more like a chronic disease. Written by experts in the field, this volume nicely describes the current knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of CML. It covers not only clinical topics but also the basic science underlying these practices. It will be of help to clinicians and basic scientists alike. In addition to the state of the art treatment of CML, this book also covers many uncommon but very important special topics like management of CML in pregnancy or with children, management of resistance to new tyrosine kinases and treatment of the advanced phase of the disease. Written to be easily digestible, patients will also be able to access important and universally useful information on CML (eg: diagnosis, symptoms and signs, and treatment). Some themes especially, including drug and food interactions of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), CML treatment during pregnancy, advantages/disadvantages of the most commonly used TKIs, and bone marrow transplantation indications, will be of popular concern. This extensively referenced book therefore should be of great help to both novices and experts in the field.

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Book SynopsisDoxorubicin is a classical but useful anti-tumour agent. It is used for the treatment of a variety of malignancies including solid tumours and leukaemia due to its broad spectrum anti-tumour activity. It also has well known toxic side effects that must be minimised for its successful use clinically. This book discusses intraperitoneal doxorubicin; preclinical characterisation of the drug-delivery device DCBeads for transarterial chemoembolisation of doxorubicin and nemorubicin; doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy; advanced therapies of doxorubicin by carrier of drug delivery system or combined food components; and prevention and management of cariotoxicity.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original research results on the leading edge of cancer. Topics discussed include one woman''s experience with the Gerson therapy for cancer; epigenetic upregulation or direct over-expression of miR-137 enhances anti-tumour activity of delphinidin for inducing apoptosis in human glioblastoma T98G cells; potentials and challenges of chip technologies in serum biomarker studies for personalised medicine of colorectal cancer; colon cancer; targeting hallmarks of cancer as current therapeutic strategy; and epigenetic regulation of cancer.

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Book SynopsisIn the Middle East, as in other countries in the developing world, there is now a wide acceptance that palliative care is an important public health issue that should be integrated into the mainstream of cancer care as well as other life-threatening diseases. Nowadays, it is recognised as a human right issue that patients and families have the right to receive this care. The WHO defined palliative care as the active total care of the patient''s body, mind and spirit; whereby health care providers need to evaluate and alleviate the patient''s physical, psychological and social distress. Such care encompasses a broad, multidisciplinary approach that includes both the family and the community and is provided in a range of settings, from the hospital, to the community health centre, to home. This unique and timely book captures the progress and vision of many dedicated groups throughout the Middle East and the USA who have been working to advocate for and develop palliative care services in the region. Each of the book''s chapters describes the efforts and challenges professionals have been experiencing as they address the palliative care needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Each country''s specific chapter details the current state of palliative care services and describes the various approaches that led to the development of a range of services in hospital-based sites to community and home-based care services.

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Book SynopsisParaneoplastic Syndromes (PNS) are a group of disorders that cause endocrinologic, hematologic, neurologic, and dermatologic manifestations of cancer. These conditions are not directly caused by tumour metastasis, but rather the malignancies produce hormones and other proteins which act to disrupt the body''s homeostasis, thereby causing symptoms. The neurological complications of PNS are the result of an immune response to tumour antigens. PNS have been associated with a variety of cancers, such as genitourinary, ovarian, and breast, but are most commonly associated with neuroendocrine tumours. These syndromes can even occur before the primary tumour is identified. Historically, these conditions were considered rare, but given the difficulties with diagnosis, the exact prevalence is unknown. This book focuses on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of PNS. More specifically, it discusses current concepts in common PNS; cutaneous PNS and skin features of internal malignancy; PNS in patients with malignancies of the genitourinary tract; PNS polyneuropathies; the correction of cancer-related anemai with oxyresveratrol; and PNS associated with lung cancer.

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Book SynopsisHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common disease in the primary malignant tumour of the liver. It is considered that the therapy for HCC is very troublesome because most of the HCC occur from the injured liver such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. If the patients with HCC receive proper therapy for their stage of HCC and liver function, a long survival is expected. In this book, the up-to-date contents of aetiology, diagnosis techniques, and various kinds of therapies for HCC are described. This book is very helpful for the medical staff that takes care of the patients with HCC. The contents of this book include precise descriptions of the following: i) the aetiology and epidemiology of HCC, ii) the diagnosis technique of CT and MRI, and the indications and results of the treatments, ie: iii) radio-frequency ablation, iv) molecular-targeted therapy, v) surgical resection, vi) transplantation, vii) trans-arterial chemo-embolisation, and radiotherapy. In addition, viii) proton beam therapy is introduced, which is a less invasive therapy for localised HCC.

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Book SynopsisLeiomyosarcomas (LMS) are soft tissue tumours derived from smooth muscles cells, often in the uterus, retroperitoneum, skin, vessels, and bone. They are one of the most common types of sarcoma. Most leiomyosarcomas are sporadic, but may develop in the setting of genetic syndomes such as hereditary retinoblastoma and L-Fraumeni syndrome. Leiomyosarcomas may also be a result of radiation exposure; however, radiation-induced sarcomas are typically undifferentiated, fibrosarcomas or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Like other sarcomas, prognosis is worse with higher grade tumours. Although chemotherapy and radiation are sometimes used as adjuvant therapy, the mainstay of therapy, and the only chance for cure, is surgery. The management of LMS is especially complex when the tumour involves major blood vessels. This book discusses the diagnosis and treatments most effectively used for Leiomyosarcomas. It also provides insight on the specific areas that LMS is found and how it affects that area.

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Book SynopsisGastric cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy-related deaths world-wide with differences in incidence and treatment patterns geographically. There is extensive ongoing research for a better understanding of the cancer pathology and finding newer treatments. Advancements in basic science research are being translated for improving gastric cancer patient care. This book discusses an extensive array of different topics on gastric cancer in which strides of improvement have been achieved. The contributors of each specialised chapter of the book are leaders in their field and have been recognised for their work globally. This book aims to bring the readers up to date about all aspects of gastric cancer - from basic science research about animal models of gastric cancer, to pathophysiology, staging systems, different adjuvant therapies and surgical treatment options for gastric cancer. The newer treatment options of endoscopic mucosal resections and bursectomy are described in detail. The current statuses, debates and ongoing controversies in addition to the advancements on different aspects of gastric cancer research are discussed. The book is an invaluable resource of information on all aspects of gastric cancer with the latest advancements.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a guide for individuals who need to support patients with advanced cancer. It discusses treatment options such as palliative care, clinical trials, hospice care, and home care, as well as symptom control. It also addresses emotional concerns including feelings, communicating with friends and family, and living life to its fullest and with meaning. Lists of federal and non-profit organisations are provided that may be helpful in giving information and services to cancer patients. This book also explores many of the questions and crossroads that face caregivers when their loved one has been told that he or she has advanced cancer that is no longer responding to treatment.

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Book SynopsisThere are almost 14 million people in the U.S. today who are cancer survivors. Three out of every four American families will have at least one family member diagnosed with cancer. This book is available to help individuals support survivor''s unique needs. It covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, and changes in social and work relationships. While some people prefer to put their experiences with cancer behind them, many choose to draw on them to get involved with cancer-related activities. They may feel that there are certain areas or issues where there is more work to be done. Or perhaps someone helped and inspired them during treatment, and they feel it''s their turn to give to others. The book discusses ways in which survivors can help other individuals going through cancer treatments and the hardships they themselves endured.

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Book SynopsisChemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. But it can also harm healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those that line your mouth and intestines or cause your hair to grow. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects. Often, side effects get better or go away after chemotherapy is over. This book focuses on how patients undergoing chemotherapy can manage their side effects, which symptoms to watch out for, and how to communicate effectively with their health care team. Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to see inside your body and take pictures, such as x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. Radiation used in cancer treatment works in much the same way, except that it is given at higher doses. This book provides facts about radiation therapy and side effects and describes how patients can care for themselves during and after treatment.

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Book SynopsisBefore the use of chemotherapy, the treatment of localised osteosarcoma often involved amputation for local control of the disease. But even after definitive local control, the majority of patients would ultimately develop metastasis and die of this disease. Then, in 1974, Norman Jaffe, Emil Frei, James Holland, Gerald Rosen, and others published reports demonstrating improved survival with adjuvant chemotherapy, given either before or after surgery. Since then, with the increased use of adjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis for patients improved until the 1990s, when the majority of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic osteosarcoma were being cured. However, the prognosis for osteosarcoma when diagnosed today is still not significantly improved when compared to the 1990s. Additionally, for the 30-40% of patients who are either present with the metastatic disease or develop metastasis after initial surgery, the prognosis remains quite poor. We know that cytotoxic therapies, as a tool, are now being maximized. Additional cytotoxic therapy, either as dose dense or high dose chemotherapies or additional agents, do not seem to offer additional benefits above the standard regimens of "MAP" (methotrexate, adriamycin, cisplatinum) and "IE" (ifosfamide, etoposide). Therefore, new strategies to systemically treat osteosarcomas are still in great need despite the huge advances that were made in the 1970s.

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Book SynopsisThough more and more individuals diagnosed with cancer become survivors, there still remains hundreds of thousands forced to succumb to their disease. How oncology specialists communicate bad news, discuss treatment options, and interact throughout the cancer journey greatly influences the expectations patients and their loved ones have regarding the goals and outcomes of treatment. There is limited residency education or nursing education about how to communicate effectively with patients who we know will be facing end of life rather than survival. Research studies have validated that more than 40% of patients with metastatic disease believe that their chemotherapy treatments they are receiving just weeks before they die were for the purpose of curing them of their cancers. Hospice remains an under-utilised service due to the uncomfortable feelings it causes when discussing alternative options to treatment rather than continuing toxic drug therapy. On average, patients do not get referred until too ill to receive any more chemotherapy treatments. This is a time to be truly providing the patient and family patient centred care, factoring in their life goals, their hopes for themselves that transition over time, their hopes for their family without them, and how we can innovatively help them reach these important goals even after they have died, by identifying or serving as a "Hope Fulfiller".

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Book SynopsisThere are not many books published about esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is an entity that must be treated from a multimodal approach. Recent advances in diagnosis, anesthetic aspects and perioperative care, among others, are summarized in this book. This book is written in a simple way and intends to cover the main aspects of this type of cancer. It incorporates the latest evidence about the diagnosis, management and treatment of esophageal cancer from a multimodal point of view. Epidemiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists and surgeons have all participated in the elaboration of this book. It is divided into ten chapters, describing all esophageal cancer topics and each chapter has been written by recognized experts in this field. Complex content and results have been made reader-friendly and easily understandable. This book is especially useful for residents and fellows because it highlights the important principles for managing these patients. The chapter about surgery is written by a surgeon who is currently considered the best in esophageal cancer, Prof. Simon Law. Also, the oncological content has been written highlighting the latest practical and clinical evidence. The reader can use this book as a practical guideline when addressing patients with esophageal cancer.

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Book SynopsisLung cancer is the most common and most lethal malignancy world-wide, causing 1.4 million diseases every year. Half of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are diagnosed at such an advanced stage that a cure cannot be considered a realistic aim, and over 75% of cases selected for a curative treatment eventually relapse within five years. The 5-year overall survival rates are less than 20% for NSCLC patients. As a disease, NSCLC demands our maximum abilities as researchers, physicians, and care-givers, and a continuous updating of our knowledge. Conventional chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC does not provide a great long-term benefit in terms of survival. Accordingly, a different therapeutic approach has to be explored. The human epidermal growth factor family of surface receptors (HER) became a critical target to be investigated. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in over 80% of non-small cell lung cancer. The presence of sensitising conformational mutations in the EGFR increases the efficacy of modern tyrosine kinase inhibitors against its inner portion (EGFR-TKI). The EGFR-TKIs greatly prolong disease-free survival of those patients harbouring sensitising EGFR mutations, and have been suggested as an essential tool in the therapeutic repertoire. This volume aims to serve as an updated compendium of biology and applications of anti-EGFR therapies, and offers a look at the future of anti-HER therapy in lung cancer. This volume exhaustively reviews and discusses: 1) the nature and significance of activating EGFR mutations, and those clinical and pathological phenomena related to HER alterations; 2) the most common laboratory methodologies to study EGFR, and the future of HER analysis; 3) the right time to analyse EGFR mutations and evolutionary changes in the HER; 4) EGFR-TKI application in unselected and selected NSCLC patients; 5) upcoming anti-HER therapies; 6) the eventual role of anti-HER therapies in early NSCLC; 7) mechanisms of acquired resistance to anti-HER therapies, and experimental and conventional strategies to bypass them; 8) the application of anti-HER therapies in other malignancies. This book is an indispensable handbook for all those specialists devoted to the diagnosis and management of lung cancer.

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Book SynopsisEndometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in women in developed countries. Most cases are generally diagnosed at an early-stage and curable with loco-regional therapies. Metastatic and/or recurrent disease still remains a therapeutic challenge and clearly represents an unmet medical need. Substantial progress has been made over the last decade in different fields of Gynecologic Oncology that has translated into a better understanding of the biology and clinical behavior of endometrial cancer and its management. Hence, this monograph provides a current overview of endometrial cancer spanning from its clinical epidemiology to molecular cancer therapeutics. The most relevant clinical aspects such as imaging, new surgical and radiation techniques, and the role of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy in the systemic treatment of endometrial cancer will also be discussed. With the contribution of internationally well-renowned experts in the field, this book will keep the reader abreast of the most recent advances in endometrial cancer from a multi-disciplinary perspective. This monograph is highly recommended for OB/GYN residents and fellows, nurse practitioners, junior faculty and all those interested in the field of women''s cancer.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options for glioblastoma; the biology of the interleukin-2 (il-2)-based immunotherapies in cancer and autoimmune disease; rna interference (rnai)/rna activation (rnaa) for cancer therapeutics; melanoma progression to metastatic disease; proteins, polysaccharide-peptide complexes and polysaccharides with antiproliferative and anticancer activities of mushrooms; low-molecular-weight compounds with anticancer activity of mushroom origin; lifestyle and cancer prevention; and the pathology and pathogenesis of Hodgkin''s lymphoma.

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Book SynopsisMultiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy characterised by the clonal expansion of monoclonal immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). MM is associated with lytic bone lesions, anaemia, immunodeficiency, and renal impairment. Multiple myeloma accounts for over 10% of all hematologic malignancies and about 1% of all cancers. Multiple myeloma remains mostly incurable despite conventional intensive high dose chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The costs associated with multiple myeloma are among the highest. This book discusses the diagnosis of multiple myeloma along with the risk factors involved and the treatments available.

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Book SynopsisBenign breast diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions. In this book, common benign lesions are summarized and their relationship to developing subsequent breast cancer is emphasized. The majority of lesions occurring in the breast are benign. As we know, the most common breast malignancy is in women; however, benign lesions of the breast are far more frequent than malignant ones. The majority of the information that we have available in the literature about the nonmalignant breast diseases is fragmented in texts and innumerable articles. The information provided in this book throughout its fourteen chapters is very complete with regard to the diagnosis of and indications for the treatment of these diseases. Over the last decade, there have been dramatic advances in the imaging techniques employed for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer, which now include conventional or antilog mastography; digital ultrasound mammography, and magnetic resonance. The most frequent pathologies of the breast, as observed by those of us devoted to Oncology, are of the benign type. However, this is not so for non-specialist physicians and for the women who suffer from these and for whom they are a true cause for alarm. Therefore, it is very important for physicians who are not specialists in cancer to know the signs and symptoms of each of these benign breast diseases in order for them to be able to emit a diagnostic impression and to suggest treatment. Groups of medical specialists with experience in benign diseases of the breast from different institutions in Mexico have been invited to describe the differential diagnosis of benign breast lesions versus breast cancer.

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Book SynopsisBladder cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer worldwide and is mainly prevalent in developed countries. It is thought to arise through two distinct pathways: the noninvasive and the invasive. The noninvasive pathway gives rise to a superficial papillary carcinoma that is characterized by activating mutations in oncogenes such as H-ras, FGFR3 and PI3K. This pathway is rarely lethal as superficial papillary carcinomas can be readily removed through transurethral resection. However, 15% of noninvasive urothelial tumors can transform into invasive carcinomas and have high recurrence (80% of the cases) that requires intensive surveillance and repetitive treatment. This book discusses the risk factors of bladder cancer, as well as the emerging treatment strategies and challenges.

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Book SynopsisSince the year 2000, exciting developments in cancer therapy have occurred. For decades in the 20th century, the hallmark of medical treatment for cancer had been cytotoxic chemotherapy, with drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells but also certain normal tissues. As a result, many patients experienced the "classic" toxicities of alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms and/or myelosuppression. In the last years, however, clinical research has been strongly occupied with the identification of mutations and aberrations concerning molecular pathways in cancer and their alterations, which has enabled the emergence of a "targeted" (somewhat personalized) medicine approach to treatment. Today, although traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for many malignancies, notably as first-line agents, targeted therapies are a possible choice for many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, CRC, lung, kidney cancers, as well as lymphoma, leukaemia, and myeloma. Over 60 of these targeted therapies recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are detailed in the book, and their intended use in one or more cancer types are shown.

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the basic experimental models in glioblastoma research. It starts with a description in the first two chapters of general clinical, neuroimaging and genetic data about glioblastoma (WHO grade IV glioma), which is the most frequent and the most malignant primary tumour in adults. Despite the complex treatment which includes neurosurgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, survival of the patients usually is between 9 and 12 months. Moreover, the surgery is not able to cure the disease due to the specific infiltrative growth pattern of glioblastoma. Therefore, laboratory research is essential in order to find new molecular and cellular therapies for this lethal disease. After shortly reviewing the modern hypothesis regarding the origin of glioblastoma in the third chapter, namely the cancer stem cells hypothesis, the author describes step-by-step in the following chapters (Chapters 4-8) the most important in vitro and in vivo models of research in glioblastoma. Chapter 4 is dedicated to the first and the essential step in any research project on glioblastoma: how to obtain good quality glioblastoma samples, how to prepare the samples and how to store the samples long-term for subsequent research. Open surgery and the image-guided stereotactic technique are also described in this chapter. After obtaining the tumour samples, the next step is to initiate the primary cells cultures. These in vitro techniques (either serum conditioning cell cultures and tumour stem cells cultures) will be discussed in detail in Chapters 5 and 6. Usually the new molecules with antitumor activity are tested in vitro on both primary glioblastoma cells cultures but also on glioblastoma cells lines in order to obtain a better standardised results. The next chapter, Chapter 7 is dedicated to in vivo techniques, which are required for testing the anti-tumoural effect of the new molecules before starting with the clinical trials. The author describes in detail the techniques of stereotactic intracranial inoculation of glioblastoma cells (either glioblastoma cell lines or glioblastoma-derived tumour stem cells) and the main growth patterns of the intracranial glioblastoma xenografts obtained using these techniques. Another technique very useful for exploring in real time the migratory glioblastoma cells is the organotypic brain slice cultures which is described in the last chapter of the book.

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Book SynopsisEndometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with more than 49,500 United States women that are diagnosed with the disease each year. It tends to develop after menopause, when a woman is between the ages of 50 and 60. It is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide (fourteenth most common cancer overall), with 320,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012, and it is the 13th most common cause of death from cancer with nearly 86,000 deaths worldwide. Endometrial cancer occurs when cells of the endometrium undergo a transformation and begin to grow and multiply without the control mechanisms that normally limit their growth. As the cells grow and multiply, they form the cancerous lesion. Cancerous tumors may encroach on and invade neighboring organs or lymph nodes, or they may enter the bloodstream and spread to the bones or distant organs, such as the lungs. This process is called metastasis. Metastatic tumors are the most aggressive and serious of all tumors. Two main types of endometrial cancers exist. Nearly all endometrial cancers are endometrial adenocarcinomas, as they originate from glandular (secreting) tissue. The other type of endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas, originates in the connective tissue or muscle of the uterus. A subtype of endometrial adenocarcinomas, adenosquamous carcinoma, includes squamous cells (that is, the type of cells found on the surface of the skin and cervix). Other subtypes of endometrial adenocarcinomas are papillary serous adenocarcinomas and clear cell carcinomas. Multidisciplinary teams of experts including specialists in medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, radiology, urology, radiotherapy, and surgery are essential to utilize sophisticated imaging and laboratory tests, to confirm the diagnosis and identify the characteristics of the tumor. They all work together to determine the best treatment approach for the patient. Recent progress in the development of new surgical techniques has transformed the treatment of uterine cancer, resulting in greater surgical precision and fewer complications. In addition, targeted adjuvant therapy has become useful in improving the oncologic outcome of patients with this disease.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include curcumin; diagnosis of thyroid cancers in the era of molecular medicine; xerostomia; the potential role of arsenic trioxide in the treatment of iodine non-avid thyroid cancer; causes of xerostomia in the cancer treatment; and an alternative for preparing the cancer patient''s primary caregiver.

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Book SynopsisWith the rapid advancements in medical research, diagnostic technology and increased public health initiative and awareness, overall cancer death rates in western societies are declining each year with the number of deaths from major cancers such as breast, colorectal and lung following this trend. However, the survival rate for those with pancreatic cancer has been at a standstill for over four decades and there are concerns that pancreatic cancer may become the second deadliest cancer in the US by the year 2030. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has dire consequences as it presents late in its course and is rapidly progressive. This is clearly one of the most devastating of human cancers, and as there are very few treatment options for those with the disease, new approaches and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required. For thousands of years, plants have been used as traditional indigenous remedies for a variety of ailments in many parts of the world. It is thought that approximately 80% of the rural population worldwide still relies on plants as medicines. Plants have assumed the greatest prominence as a source of medicinal compounds with thousands of species associated with the treatment of cancers or conditions with cancer-like symptoms. Scientific evaluation of a range of traditional medicines has led to the development of highly effective cancer therapeutic agents, and it is estimated that approximately 50% of all pharmaceuticals currently available for administration are still derived from natural origins. With this in mind, within the plant kingdom there remains great potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents with significant efficacy against pancreatic cancer. With our increasing understanding of the molecular pathology of pancreatic cancer and the rapid advancement of DNA sequencing technology to understand the structure of the genome and infer biology, pancreatic cancer is one of the most appropriate diseases to test multiple novel plant derived therapeutics in a molecular phenotype driven personalised approach.

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Book SynopsisExploring prognostic and predictive response therapy factors in cancer disease is one of the most exciting issues of modern oncological science. Targeting intracellular signalling molecules is one of the novel approaches in which basic and translational researches meet clinical practice to define the best management of malignancies. The goal for target therapies is to identify agents that target tumor-specific molecules, thus sparing normal tissues. Those molecules are called biomarkers, and their identification is recommended for correct therapeutic planning. Hence, the contribution of clinical and surgical pathology to define cancer prognostic groups and treatment responsive tumors is essential not only for the efficacy of the cures, but also for ethical, economical, and social reasons. The promises of tailored (personalized) therapy are now almost certainly realistic and can give concrete hope to many cancer patients in the world. In this book, we have tried to describe the "state of art" in these fields of oncology, specifically considering prognostic and predictive response therapy factors in colorectal, breast, lung, gastric, renal, liver and prostate cancers.

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Book SynopsisAs the definition of palliative-intent radiation therapy (RT) continues to evolve, the application of advanced radiotherapeutic technologies, such as intensity-modulated RT, and techniques, such as image-guidance, are no longer the provision solely of the curative realm. Treatment options previously considered strictly palliative are expanding, with conventional RT being delivered in conjunction with other modalities such as highly conformal radiation, surgery or systemic therapy, or being bypassed entirely. Additionally, as the median survival rate for many primary cancer histologies improve, more and more patients are outliving the palliative benefit of their first course of RT, making re-irradiation a commonly encountered scenario. Many factors should be taken into account when making RT treatment decisions, including those incorporating advanced technologies, such as individualised considerations of symptom burden, extent of disease, life expectancy, performance status, comorbidities, toxicity, prior treatment, and patient wishes. However, while palliative RT should be appropriately customised for each patient, it should also have a convincing evidence base. To date, research investigating the optimal use of palliative RT has been strikingly underrepresented, especially considering it comprises up to 50% of a department''s workload. This book reviews state of the art in palliative radiation therapy across all disease sites, discussing available evidence supporting the use of advanced technologies and related clinical and dosimetric outcomes. Areas in which practice diverges from available evidence, as well as those in which no supporting evidence exists, are described. Many chapters include a historical overview highlighting lessons learned from past experience and techniques. Additionally, where specific palliative literature does not exist, generalisable excerpts from the curative setting are examined as well. Also, key practice points pertinent to management approaches and decisions, treatment planning and other clinical pearls are summarised by over 60 international experts from three continents, often incorporating a multinational and/or multi-institutional perspective. A foundational chapter reviewing these technologies is complimented by sections on their use in each primary cancer site, along with chapters focusing on emerging techniques such as stereotactic radiation, clinical settings such as oligometastases, and patient-reported outcomes including quality of life and toxicity. Clinical trial methodology applicable to palliative RT, prognostication, health services research, and the interface of radiation oncology with palliative care in the 21st century are highlighted. Finally, a concluding chapter provides an overview of clinical contexts in which conventional radiation therapy or best supportive care may be favoured.

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Book SynopsisPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established clinical modality for cancer, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, dermatological, and dental diseases. PDT is based on the activation of photosensitizer agents with specific wavelength of light, which results in energy transfer cascades that ultimately yield cytotoxic reactive oxygen species that can render cell death. This book discusses the fundamentals, applications and health outcomes of photodynamic therapy.

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Book SynopsisOver 50,000 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. The majority of these are squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), associated with human papillomavirus infection and carcinogenic behaviours such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Although these are more common, there are several other causes that this book addresses. This book examines the epidemiology of head and neck cancer. It discusses the management of head neck cancer as well as treatment outcomes.

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Book SynopsisCholangiocarcinoma presents a challenge for cancer specialists all over the world. Neoplasia of the biliary tract are rare, accounting for approximately 3% of all gastrointestinal tumours with an incidence of about three per 100,000; but rates have been rising rapidly in recent years. This cancer is one of the major killers: at the time of diagnosis, less than 30% of patients are candidates for complete resection. For unresectable cholangiocarcinomas, median survival is less than one year. Given the rarity of the disease, the literature on cholangiocarcinomas is scant. However, the increasing incidence of this highly lethal malignancy should capture the attention of physicians and stimulate further research. Designed for specialists, this book highlights the main clinicopathologic features of cholangiocarcinoma and is an essential clinical guide for oncologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, gastroenterologists and all physicians taking care of patients with biliary tract cancers. The book offers an expert overview of the disease starting from the embryology and anatomy of the biliary tree. Each chapter provides a detailed up-to-date description of etiopathogenetic factors, epidemiology, histopathology, molecular biology and staging, emphasising clinical features and standard approaches to biliary tract cancer, with a summary of recent literature evidence. The book also covers the diagnostic work-up and outlines the current status of imaging techniques with an overview of recent advances in surgery and locoregional and systemic therapy, in addition to the follow-up and palliative care of cholangiocarcinoma patients.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include malignancy-related ascites; targeting cathepsin b for cancer therapies; cancer stem cells; metallomics of brain tumors; hepatitis b virus and Hepatitis C virus infections and risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; the risk and prognostic factors associated with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma; widespread expressions of TCRs in cancer cells and the implications in cancer immunology; hormone therapy in young cancer survivors; and inhibitory effects of ribosome inactivating proteins and compounds on choriocarcinoma cells.

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Book SynopsisBrain metastases are frequently encountered in the neuro-oncological field. It has been estimated that 170,000 people a year in the USA experience this condition. Moreover, brain metastases are four times more frequently encountered than primitive cerebral tumours, and will increase in the future due to systemic cancer patients management. This book presents current biological viewpoints, together with diagnostic and therapeutic advances and options available for brain metastatic patients. Clinical daily-practice problems are systematically treated and scientific background is provided based on the personal experiences of prominent practitioners in the field, coming from different academic institutions. The impact of histopathology and the impact of technology on doctors'' practices, as well as systemic disease management, basicranial sited brain metastases and deep and eloquent brain localisations, are treated in a constant multidisciplinary fashion. This book is an essential instrument for neurosurgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, and neuro-oncologists, and we hope it will also help medical students and physicians in training.

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Book SynopsisFanconi Anemia (FA), a rare genetic disease featuring excess cancer risk and chromosomal instability, has received growing interest after the discovery that one of the defective genes in FA is associated with high-impact diseases such as familial breast cancer and ovary cancers. A well-documented relationship has accumulated in several decades and up to recently, studies have linked FA with a redox imbalance (oxidative stress, OS) in FA cells. The toxicity mechanisms of crosslinking agents (mitomycin C and diepoxybutane) in FA cells, along with the roles of OS-related aldehydes and glutathione in FA and in other diseases, are critically discussed. Also discussed is the proinflammatory state in FA phenotype. Additionally, recent studies have discovered an impairment in the structure and function of mitochondria in FA cell lines, while mitochondrial dysfunction in FA patients has so far been an unexplored field warranting ad hoc investigations. This book provides the readers with up-to-date information and perspectives on Fanconi anemia and oxidative stress that may prompt further elucidation of this intriguing disease, along with working hypotheses in clinical research and patients'' management.

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Book SynopsisAs the definition of palliative-intent radiation therapy (RT) continues to evolve, the application of advanced radiotherapeutic technologies, such as intensity-modulated RT, and techniques, such as image-guidance, are no longer the provision solely of the curative realm. Treatment options previously considered strictly palliative are expanding, with conventional RT being delivered in conjunction with other modalities such as highly conformal radiation, surgery or systemic therapy, or being bypassed entirely. Additionally, as the median survival rate for many primary cancer histologies improve, more and more patients are outliving the palliative benefit of their first course of RT, making re-irradiation a commonly encountered scenario. Many factors should be taken into account when making RT treatment decisions, including those incorporating advanced technologies, such as individualised considerations of symptom burden, extent of disease, life expectancy, performance status, comorbidities, toxicity, prior treatment, and patient wishes. However, while palliative RT should be appropriately customised for each patient, it should also have a convincing evidence base. To date, research investigating the optimal use of palliative RT has been strikingly underrepresented, especially considering it comprises up to 50% of a department''s workload. This book reviews state of the art in palliative radiation therapy across all disease sites, discussing available evidence supporting the use of advanced technologies and related clinical and dosimetric outcomes. Areas in which practice diverges from available evidence, as well as those in which no supporting evidence exists, are described. Many chapters include a historical overview highlighting lessons learned from past experience and techniques. Additionally, where specific palliative literature does not exist, generalisable excerpts from the curative setting are examined as well. Also, key practice points pertinent to management approaches and decisions, treatment planning and other clinical pearls are summarised by over 60 international experts from three continents, often incorporating a multinational and/or multi-institutional perspective. A foundational chapter reviewing these technologies is complimented by sections on their use in each primary cancer site, along with chapters focusing on emerging techniques such as stereotactic radiation, clinical settings such as oligometastases, and patient-reported outcomes including quality of life and toxicity. Clinical trial methodology applicable to palliative RT, prognostication, health services research, and the interface of radiation oncology with palliative care in the 21st century are highlighted. Finally, a concluding chapter provides an overview of clinical contexts in which conventional radiation therapy or best supportive care may be favoured.

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Book SynopsisMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a subtype of Non-Hodgkin''s Lymphoma (NHL) with varying clinical presentations, ranging from indolent disease to highly aggressive symptoms. MCL represents approximately 3-10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and has increased in incidence over the past several decades. The majority of patients respond to initial therapy, but remission duration is typically short. This book discusses the clinical characteristics of mantle cell lymphoma, as well as its prevalence and examines several treatment options available.

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Book SynopsisCholangiocarcinoma is a devastating illness with poor long-term survival. The diagnosis and treatment of cholangocarcinoma is becoming increasingly important, particularly with the increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, another primary liver tumour. Since the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the two similar malignancies vary tremendously, a thorough understanding of cholangiocarcinoma is vital for any practitioner dealing with this patient population. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease requires input from nearly every specialist in cancer care: pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, hepatologists, endoscopists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and interventional radiologists, who all play a very active role in the management of this disease process. The intent of this book is to provide an overview of the entire disease process, from the diagnosis through imaging and pathology, to the clinical care of patients pre- and post-treatment, to primary oncologic interventions.

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Book SynopsisKidney cancer is the 10th most common cancer in Europe with overall mortality rates increasing until the late 1980s and early 1990s and thereafter, stabilised. Until recently, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was thought to represent a monomorphic disease; however, modern genetic characterisation has demonstrated different subtypes with specific cell types and molecular metabolism. Imaging diagnostic methods are basic for staging and for new treatment strategies. Moreover, tumour biopsy has been reintroduced in the diagnostic armamentarium, mainly in patients with small masses but also when disseminated tumours need to be treated with new target therapies. Although TNM stage, Fuhrman grade and Eastern Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status are the most recognised prognostic factor in RCC, active research continues to determine new prognostic factors to classify different risks for death from RCC. Laparoscopy has gained widespread popularity because of a less morbidity and a faster post-operative convalescence. Partial laparoscopic nephrectomy is a demanding operation that can be made depending on the experience of the surgeon, the size or location of the tumour in the kidney. New robotic approaches are being introduced for nephron sparing surgery. Conversely, cardiac bypass can be necessary for resection of tumours with thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava above the level of hepatic veins. With the advent of modern ablative energies (cryotherapy or radiofrequency) for renal tumours in selected patients with percutaneous or laparoscopic techniques, it is now possible to achieve long cancer specific survival with decreased morbidity. A need for standardisation of follow-up after surgery with lifelong protocols has been recognised in last years. Finally, angiogenesis inhibitors have demonstrated a high probability of disease control in patients with metastatic renal carcinomas. Their indication as adjuvant in local advanced tumours as well as the role of nephrectomy in patients with metastatic disease is being evaluated in current clinical trials.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include the emerging roles of the Sirtuin family in cancer; coping with pain in children with leukaemia; chemotherapy induced peripheral neurotoxicity; historical evolution of conservative surgery of breast cancer; peripheral neuropathies especially in cancer patients; the important pitfalls in the diagnosis of cancer in the oral cavity using 18F-FDG-PET-CT; anthracyclines and cardiotoxicity; current therapies and latest developments in cancer treatment; and the genetic and epigenetic changes in thyroid cancer.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include oral cancer cachexia; the immunological mechanisms of cachexia; research in gynaecologic oncology today; advances in cellular understanding of muscle wasting in cachexia; and next generation sequencing developments in cancer research by bioinformatics approaches.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original results on the leading edge of cancer research. Topics discussed include imaging of chondrosarcoma; novel nutrient mixtures inhibiting chondrosarcoma invasion and metastasis parameters; defective estrogen signaling is the highest risk for breast cancer; review of the cancer genomic landscape; reprogramming of metabolic pathways and cancer stem like cells; promising natural products as anti-cancer agents against neuroblastoma; oncofertility; and molecular mechanisms involved in myelodysplastic syndromes.

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Book SynopsisThe book Psychoneurocybernetic Conquest of Carcinogenesis and Cancers is written to be understood by the informed layman as well as by scientists. It should be of special interest to physicians, health-care givers and laymen who want to know about the latest knowledge concerning the true cause of all cancers and their prevention, diagnosis and modern therapy. It will surely inform and entertain anyone who cares about ethics in medicine or the funding of medical research, including references to original scientific and popular literature. According to general (not only medical) knowledge, based upon personal experiences in conservative, surgical, thermo- and radiotherapy of neoplasms over many years, the authors have presented the dissipative nature of cancer so that everyone could understand the neoplastic diseases, the modern rules of psycho-oncology and the primary significance of one''s own lifestyle in the formation and progress of cancer along with importance of caring about the environment inhabited by people. They have summarized the public reactions to cancer and infertility in relation to the historic discovery of natural psychoneurocybernetic cause of cancer, mathematical interpretation of its cause, obstetrical prevention of human cancers and psycho-neuro-endocrine therapy of diseases, especially caused by baneful information.

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Book SynopsisLung cancer, the most common and deadliest malignancy worldwide, is one of the biggest challenges for modern oncology. Although lung cancer presents the same incidence as breast or colorectal cancer, it causes as much deaths as breast and colorectal cancers together. Lung cancer demands our abilities as researchers, physicians, and care-givers in a multidisciplinary approach. Genetic, biology, pharmacy, pneumology, internal medicine, radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, radiation, medical oncology and palliative care departments are essential members of the thoracic tumor boards. Fighting Lung Cancer through Conventional Therapies is the second volume of a saga entirely devoted to the treatment of lung cancer. In the age of targeted oncology, more than 90% of lung cancer patients are managed with conventional surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy only. Furthermore, 100% of them will need conventional treatments during the course of the disease. This volume updates indications, techniques, and applications of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer by an international team of experts. Included within these pages are: epidemiology and pathology; baseline and mediastinal staging; minimally invasive surgery, video-assisted thoracic surgery, and standard surgery in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer; radiation therapy for early non-small cell lung cancer; the management of locally advanced non-small cell cancer; applications of surgery to metastatic lung cancer; the new role of radiotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer; conventional chemotherapy as well as experimental treatments and combos with targeted therapies; the treatment of early and advanced small cell lung cancer; the role of palliative supportive care; and the integration of all those disciplines in multidisciplinary tumor boards are exhaustively reviewed.

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Book SynopsisThis encyclopedia presents important research on lung cancer. Some of the topics discussed herein include therapeutic antibodies in non-small cell lung cancer; radiation therapy; epigenetics; paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer; palliative radiotherapy treatments; bone and lung metastases; and asymptomatic presentation of lung and bone metastases in patients with breast cancer.

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