Gayle E. Woloschak – författare

This is the first textbook of its kind devoted to describing the biological complexities of breast cancer in a way that is relevant to the radiation oncologist. Radiation Oncology has long treated breast cancer as a single biological entity, with all treatment decisions being based on clinical and pathologic risk factors. We are now beginning to understand that biological subtypes of breast cancer may have different risks of recurrence as well as different intrinsic sensitivity to radiotherapy. Multi-gene arrays that have for years been used to predict the risk of distant recurrence and the value of systemic chemotherapy may also have utility in predicting the risk of local recurrence. Additionally, the targeted agents used to treat breast cancer may interact with radiotherapy in ways that can be beneficial or undesirable.  All of these emerging issues are extensively discussed in this book, and practical evidence-based treatment recommendations are presented whenever possible.

This proceedings volume results from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on ''Biomarkers of Radiation in the Environment: Robust Tools for Risk Assessment (BRITE)’. The BRITE workshop discussed insights from cancer research, epigenetics, non-human and human risk assessment, since many of the state-of-the-art biomarkers being developed for humans deserve consideration for environmental applications and vice versa.  Sessions were very wide-ranging covering methods, mechanisms, cross disciplinary application and regulation.

The chapters in this book have been grouped into five major themes that were covered by the BRITE workshop:

·         Techniques for biomarker development

·         Low-dose effect mechanisms

·         Biomarkers for risk evaluation

·         Biomarkers in wildlife

·         Biomarker use and responses

Each chapter has been written independently and reflects the views of the chapter author(s).  Therefore, the readers can form their own balanced view of the different perspectives on biomarkers of radiation in the environment.  Given the breadth of topics covered and the state-of-the-art perspectives shared by leading experts in their respective fields, this book should form a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in how biomarkers can be used to improve our understanding of radiation in the environment and its potential impacts.