Cancer Treatment and Research – serie

Hormone Receptors in Breast Cancer provides an up-to-date resource of the role of hormone receptors in breast cancer written in depth for both the basic molecular academic researcher and translational scientist. Advances in basic science of molecular endocrinology have undoubtedly been translated into clinical practice, and clinicians caring for this disease need to be knowledgeable about these developments. The molecular basis of hormone action has been elucidated, and the relative significance of the different estrogen and progesterone receptor isoforms has been explored. This explosion of information has lead to exciting new areas of gene specific targeting of the disease, and breast cancer prevention. Paradigm shifts in treatment options and sequencing have recently occurred in breast cancer management, necessitating close cooperation and communication between translational scientists and physicians. This book is focused on providing this communication.

Radiation Toxicity: A Practical Guide provides insight into the management of day-to-day aspects of radiotherapy. Most radiation oncologists and radiation oncology nurses spend a large percentage of their time dealing with the effects of radiotherapy. This book describes the biology behind each sites acute and long-term responses to radiotherapy, including the best current knowledge regarding radiation tolerance, and fills a needed void in the literature that is available on radiation oncology.

Recent developments in the sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept and technology have resulted in the application of this revolutionary approach to define the first draining or SLN to which the cancer may have metastasized.

Biological Basis of Geriatric Oncology highlights research issues that are specific to geriatric oncology in the field of carcinogenesis and cancer prevention and treatment, based on the biologic interactions of cancer and age. It illustrates the benefit of the principles of geriatrics in the management of cancer in the older individual.This volume provides a frame of reference for practicioners of any specialties involved in the management of older patients and for oncologists involved in the management of cancer of older individuals. It is a source for basic and clinical scientists exploring the interactions and emerging information of cancer and aging.

Leptomeningeal Metastases is intended to provide the reader with an overview of the state-of-the-art therapy for the cancer patient with leptomeningeal cancer with additional information on epidemiology, symptom management, new clinical trials, and current basic research in animal models for experimental therapies.

Dramatic advances have occurred over the last few years in the research field of cancer biology. There has been a constant accumulation of important new information, resulting in a gradual transformation on the perceptions that exist among scientists regarding mechanisms by which the malignant phenotype develops. The recent developments in cancer research have also had a substantial impact in efforts towards the development of new cancer therapies. One of the most explosive and rapidly advancing research areas has been the area of cytokines and cancer. Many perceptions have changed from the original discovery, decades ago, of the interferon, to the current state of the art cytokine research. It is now well recognized that many cytokines play important roles in normal cellular functions, while some of them have prominent roles in the pathophysiology of cancer. It is also now firmly established that several cytokines promote the growth of cancer cells, while others act as suppressors of malignant cell proliferation. The importance of the cytokine signaling field in cancer is reflected by the development of multiple treatments that have been introduced in clinical oncology over the last few years. Understanding the physiological functions of cytokines, as well as their precise roles in the pathogenesis of certain malignancies, is extremely important in the current clinical era.

A link between inflammation and cancer has been established many years ago, yet it is only recently that the potential significance of this connection has become apparent. Although several examples of chronic inflammatory conditions, often induced by persistent irritation and/or infection, developing into cancer have been known for some time, there has been a notable resistance to contemplate the possibility that this association may apply in a causative way to other cancers. Examples for such progression from chronic inflammation to cancer are colon carcinoma developing with increased frequency in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the increased incidence of bladder cancer in patients suffering from chronic Schistosoma infection. Inflammation and cancer have been recognized to be linked in another context for many years, i.e., with regards to pathologies resembling chronic lacerations or 'wounds that do not heal.' More recently, the immunology of wound healing has given us clues as to the mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer, in as much as wounds and chronic inflammation turn off local cell-mediated immune responses and switch on growth factor release as well the growth of new blood vessels - angiogenesis. Both of these are features of most types of tumours, which suggest that tumours may require an immunologically shielded milieu and a growth factor-rich environment.

Over recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in knowledge of the biology of the lymphomas which has been accompanied by the emergence of new treatments that offer both improvements in efficacy and reduction in toxicity. Molecular profiling of tumor tissue and other new advances have led to a better understanding of the genetic basis of lymphoma, identification of new therapeutic targets, and potentially valuable prognostic information. Monoclonal antibody therapies, radioimmunoconjugates and other new agents such as proteosome inhibitors are providing important new treatment options for patients.In this volume, an internationally recognized group of experts provides a comprehensive overview of the biology, pathology, standard treatments, and novel approaches in management of patients across the complex landscape of lymphoma subtypes. Researchers and practitioners alike will welcome this useful summary of the state of the art in this field.

Clinical trials remain the most important vehicle for improving the care of cancer patients. This text presents the fundamental components and challenges involving clinical investigations. Leading experts discuss the critical issues covering the spectrum of important topics from planning to application.

from combining radiation with a molecular targeted agent – namely cetuximab, a recombinant mouse/human chimeric monoclonal antibody against the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor [4] Astsaturov, Cohen and Harari present a more indepth review of the biology of the EGF Receptor and its signaling pathway in Chap. 7 as a potential target in combination with fractionated radiotherap y for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A flurry of agents are under de velopment for targeting EGFR and in March 2006, the US Food and Drugs Administration approved cetuximab combined with radiation as a primary treatment option for patients with loco-regionally advanced HNSCC in whom chemoradiation therapy is deemed not to be an option. While blocking the EGF pathway during fractionated radiotherapy may seem an obvious strategy [5], the rationale for combining antiangiogenic and antivascular targeting agents with radiation may be less intuitive. However, recent research shows that there are several reasons why this could result in a therapeutic gain in practice. Chapter 8 is a review of this rapidly expanding field by Citrin and Camphausen. Targeted agents combined with radiation may offer new opportunities in the treatment of central nervous system malignancies, a tumor type where the outlook remains poor despite some recent progress [6]. Current attempts to overcome rad- tion resistance in these tumors on the basis of an improved understanding of their molecular biology are the topic of Chap. 9 by Chakravarti and Palanichamy.

Recent developments in regional and systemic anticancer therapies have improved the grim outlook of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from ovarian or gastrointestinal origin, leading to a renewed interest in both the underlying mechanisms at the origin of PC and the various therapeutic options.This is the first volume to provide a multidisciplinary approach to peritoneal carcinomatosis encompassing molecular mechanisms, histopathology, regional and systemic cytotoxic therapy, and surgical options. Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Multidisciplinary Approach will be of interest for medical, surgical and gynecological oncologists faced with the complexities of decision making in patients suffering from PC, as well as for basic and translational scientists active in the field of locoregional cancer spread. Numerous illustrations aid the reader throughout in the many facets of this disease.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures have opened a window of opportunity for the study of micrometastasis. In eighty percent (80%) of metastasis there lies an orderly pattern of progression via the lymphatic network, while 20% of the time systemic metastasis occurs, bypassing the lymphatic system. During the past two decades, significant progress has been achieved in understanding the anatomical, functional, cellular and molecular aspects of the lymphovascular system and the metastasis process. · Molecular imaging advances help to localize early cancers more precisely. · Current status of the immune responses in the draining lymph nodes against cancer is summarized. · New paradigms of early cancer growth, proliferation, overcoming apoptosis are exploited in the development of anticancer treatment. In this book, basic scientists and clinicians exchange ideas so that laboratory findings can be applied to clinical dilemmas, and clinical problems can be targeted for research in the laboratory.

Brain metastases are the most dreaded complication of systemic cancer, affecting approximately 170,000 people a year, a far greater incidence than primary brain tumors. Advances in modern chemotherapy have led to an improved control of system cancers, often with agents that poorly penetrate the central nervous system, resulting in an increasing incidence of brain metastases. Traditional chemotherapy has had little impact on brain metastases. The main therapeutic option is radiation therapy, and in a small number of patients - surgery. However, refinements in all of these treatments offer some positive outcomes and an increased ability to stratify patients based on certain criteria.This book will bring current information on the presentation and management of patients with brain metastases, providing available data, giving guidelines that can be applied in day to day practice, updated information for neuro-surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neuro-oncologists, as well as an overview for physicians in training.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), is the most common form of leukemia in adults. AML is a deadly form of malignancy, the prognosis for which has not improved in the last two decades. More importantly, it is a malignancy that is seen in older adults, therefore the number of cases is likely to rise as the population ages. Over the past 15 years, genetic mechanisms underlying AML have begun to unfold. Additional research in this area has helped identify key components and characteristics. Consequently, targeted therapy of AML is receiving much attention. It is the hope of researchers that as with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and the drug, Gleevec, a targeted therapy for AML will be discovered.

Provides both the necessary methodology and practical information tools for analyzing data in the field of medical information science.

Oncofertility bridges traditional areas of basic science and medical research, brings together oncologists and fertility specialists, and hopes to provide real options to young people who survive life-preserving but fertility-threatening treatments for cancer.

Over the last 5 years significant advances have been made in our understanding of the biology of breast cancer. As a result of linking observations made in the laboratory to new treatment strategies, the outcome of breast cancer patients with both early and late stage disease has continued to improve. This volume will highlight many of the important advances that have improved our understanding of the biology and therapeutics of breast cancer.The initial discussion will focus on the evolving understanding of the genetics of breast cancer. (Olapade or Pasche) In addition to the well known genetic mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, other mutations that have recently been identified will be discussed. In addition, strategies for surveillance of high-risk populations and prevention strategies under evaluation are highlighted. The underlying molecular pathways that control malignant cell growth are being better characterized thru laboratory investigation and as a result of this work numerous novel therapeutics that target these pathways in already in the clinic to define whether there is clinical benefit in breast cancer patients. Dr Pegram will discuss the rationale for development of some of the agents farthest along in clinical development.Though novel therapeutic agents or "targeted therapy" hold significant promise, standard treatment modalities including chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, surgery and radiation therapy will remain important for management of breast cancer patients. The decision to offer patients with early stage breast cancer systemic adjuvant therapy has been made based largely on clinical parameters including tumor size and nodal status. Clinicians have long recognized that this method of evaluating risk of recurrence for an individual patient is imprecise. Much research over the last several years has focused on developing molecular profiles of individual tumors that correlate with long-term outcome. Dr. Paik will discuss the development of this strategy and the results of the Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay, the first clinically available assay. In the last 5 years, the aromatase inhibitors have been investigated extensively as an alternative to tamoxifen or as a class of agents that adds to the effects of tamoxifen in postmenopausal woman with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. A review of the data from pivotal trials will be put in context by Dr O’ Regan. Similarly, adjuvant chemotherapy has been refined in recent years to include taxanes and trastuzamab in select patients. Dr. Ravdin will highlight the findings from the most recent (2005) Oxford Overview of randomized clinical trials involving chemotherapy and tamoxifen. Dr Hudis will provide a critical analysis of the how recent data related to the incorporation of taxanes and trastuzamab in adjuvant therapy programs refines clinical decision-making.Local therapy in the form of radiation and surgery are critical components of the management of breast cancer patients. As more systemic therapy is administered in the preoperative setting, implications for breast conservation and management of the axilla are critical. Dr Newman will review the recent data that is relevant to this topic and Dr Hanson will place in context the role of sentinal lymph node biopsy and the controversies that remain regarding its use in certain situations. Finally Dr Vicini will review the emerging data related to new techniques of breast irradiation and how these potentially more patient "friendly" approaches compare to standard breast irradiation.

Peter Angelos Numerous ethical issues arise in the care of oncology patients. Although much has been written in the last several decades on ethical issues in caring for patients, few volumes have sought to focus the exploration on ethical issues particularly relevant to the care of cancer patients. In 1999, the first edition of this book was published. Since that time, many changes have occurred in how some cancers are diagnosed and treated, but the central ethical issues have continued to challenge patients, families, and their health care providers. All of the chapters from the prior edition have been updated and there are seven new chapters in this expanded edition. In this second edition, the perspectives on what is an ethical issue have been broadened by bringing authors of differing backgrounds into the discussion. In Chapter 1, the perspective of a cancer patient is provided as an open letter to physicians. Although Parvez Kamangar is providing only one patient’s perspective, this is an essential voice that is not often heard in texts on medical ethics. In Chapters 2 and 3, the issues of communication and the physician-patient relationship are explored in order to better understand how the needs of patients and families can be met. In Chapter 4, Professor Tod Chambers highlights the challenges to providing ethical care to patients in a multicultural society.

Many comprehensive text books have been written about the common hematologic malignancies. However, every practicing hematologist/oncologist or primary care physician intermittently encounters patients with uncommon or rare hematologic malignancies. Information concerning these diseases, and particularly regarding their management, is extremely difficult to find. Physicians will commonly spend a substantial period of time searching the medical literature for help or will call a colleague who may have greater expertise in the area.Rare Hematological Malignancies covers malignant hematologic diseases that physicians would see only occasionally, providing accurate, up-to-date information on the disease biology and practical recommendations concerning the disease management.

Adjuvant treatment is administered prior to or as follow up to surgical procedures for breast cancer. Proven success in using medical therapies allowing for breast conserving procedures or reducing risk of occurrence. Although there has been much progress towards a cure, including the introduction of new targeted therapies, metastasizing cancer remains highly incurable.

Imaging in Oncology will serve as an up-to-date, attractive book of oncologic imaging for radiologists, oncologists, radiation therapists and others involved in oncologic care. This volume provides pertinent clinical and research information that underpins accurate interpretation and sensible use of cancer imaging. It reviews the role of established and upcoming techniques in plain radiography, ultrasound, CT, MR nuclear medicine, PET and PET/CT for oncologic imaging as well as image-guided intervention. The book also highlights new developments and advances in oncologic imaging. Imaging in Oncology will appeal to physicians in practice and in training and to all interested in oncologic imaging.

Late Effects of Treatment for Brain Tumors reviews the development of the medical team's awareness of late effects of brain tumor treatment and an overview of brain tumor survivorship. It reviews the late effects by topic and by organ systems, educates, and provides guidelines for follow up and interventions for patient survivorship.

Organ transplantation has been performed for almost 40 years with steadily increasing success regarding long-time survival of the graft, as well as quality of life for the patient. However, graft tolerance only can be achieved via induction and maintenance of an impaired immunological surveillance. An increase of skin cancers as a consequence of the lowered cellular immunoresponse seems to parallel the overall increased long-time survival rate of organ transplant recipients. Against the background of chronic immunosuppression known risk factors like the amount of sun exposure prior and post transplantation, oncogenic viruses as well as the genetic background, and place of residence (latitude) are strongly related with the increased skin cancer incidence.The increasing incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer, paralleling a prolonged survival of patients after organ transplantation, represents a significant reason for morbidity and long-term morbidity in organ transplant recipients worldwide. The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in liver-, kidney- and heart transplant recipients varies from 1.5 to 22 %, 2 to 24 % and 6 to 34 % after < 5 years post transplant. Ultraviolet radiation as well as immunosuppressive therapy are crucial risk-factors regarding the induction and progression of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is related to the induction of DNA damage, as well as interference with Langerhans cell antigen presentation and a Th1 – Th2 shift induced via a release of IL-10. Whereas the overall duration of immunosuppression and the cumulative dosage applied are relevant parameters in the evaluation of an increased tumor risk, individual differences between specific immunosuppressive agents remain unclear. The workup of genetic as well as other unclear phenomenon like the reverse BCC/SCC ratio might shed some further light into the genesis and immunology of the non-melanoma skin cancer in general.

The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. Abraham Lincoln, 1862 When I came across this quote, it made me recall my first participation at an international meeting on bone marrow transplantation, at a time when this was the only term that was used to describe the field. During a particular session there was a presentation on the use of peripheral blood as the sole source of stem cells for transplantation, and a member of the audience rose to state that it was medically unethical to consider such treatment, as it certainly could not contain stem cells. Now nearly twenty years later, peripheral blood is the predominant source of stem cells used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the same period of time there have been several other dogmatic opinions, which permeate all of medicine, that have come and gone in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and will continue to do so with advancements from basic and clinical research. It is within this context that the format of this book was devised. Traditionally reviews on specific topics related to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reflect the views of a single author or a research group.

Coagulation in Cancer informs professionals working in the field of cancer about the pathophysiologic mechanisms of cancer-related thrombosis and bleeding. It provides assistance in recognizing the various bleeding and clotting disorders associated with cancer and includes current recommendations for the management of hemorrhage, and prevention and treatment of thrombosis in the patient with malignancy. This volume is a valuable addition to the literature on cancer and coagulation.

This second edition addresses a variety of ethical issues that arise in the care of oncology patients. Many volumes have been written on medical ethics in the past 30 years. However, few have focused on ethical issues specific to the care of cancer patients. This book brings together such a focused examination. The contributors include clinicians, (doctors, nurses, and social workers), ethicists, medical humanists, medical educators, and a cancer survivor. The issues raised have direct relevance to the care of oncology patients in treatment as well as research settings. The chapters address issues that are central to contemporary medical practice and medical ethics inquiry. Ethical Issues in Cancer Patient Care, Second Edition will have direct importance for practicing physicians, nurses and others caring for cancer patients. In addition, medical students, medical educators and ethicists will find this book of interest.

Ovarian carcinoma continues to be responsible for more deaths than all other gynecologic malignancies combined, due to a continued inability to achieve detection of early (rather than advanced) stage disease and the lack of effective tumor-specific therapeutics. Ovarian carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastatic dissemination require a complex cascade of interrelated genetic, molecular, and biochemical events that regulate the neoplastic transition of normal ovarian surface epithelium. This updated second edition includes exciting new advances in ovarian cancer detection and treatment and provides an analysis of current research into aspects of malignant transformation, growth control, and metastasis. A more detailed understanding of these processes may ultimately translate into the development of novel approaches for the detection and control of ovarian cancer.

The last volume dealing with lung cancer in this series in Cancer Treatment and Research was published in 1986 and entitled Lung Cancer: Basic and Clinical Aspects. The present book continues the outline of the previous volume by presenting up-to-date information on lung cancer in critical reviews of new important basic and clinical concepts of lung cancer. The present volume has broadened the scope by also including chapters dealing with issues such as epidemiology, prophylaxis, and histopathology of lung cancer. The content of the book thus reflects the increasing awareness of a global disease that is more and more in focus, not only scientifically but also politically. The latter fact results increasingly in changes in health legisla­ tion, with prevention measures influencing everyday life. The great interest in the disease is natural, considering that more than one patient dies from lung cancer every minute globally. The first chapter is from the Cancer Unit, WHO, Geneva, and describes in detail the epidemiologic features of lung cancer, which is the second most frequent cancer in the world with 660,500 new cases annually; it will soon surpass stomach cancer as the leader. Thirty-one percent of the cases occur in developing countries, where the increase is especially dramatic.

Where do you begin to look for a recent, authoritative article on the diagnosis or management of a particular malignancy? The few general oncology text­ books are generally out of the date. Single papers in specialized journals are informative but seldom comprehensive; these are often preliminary reports on a very limited number of patients. Certain general journals frequently publish good in depth reviews of cancer topics, and published symposium lectures are often the best overviewes available. Unfortunately, these reviews and supplements appear sporadically, and the reader can never be sure when a topic of special interest will be covered. Cancer Treatment and Research is a series of authoritative volumes which aim to meet this need. it is an attempt to establish a critical mass of oncology literature covering virtually all oncology topics, revised frequently to keep the coverage up to date, easily available on a single library shelf or by a single personal subscription. We have approached the problem in the following fashion. First, by dividing the oncology literature into specific subdivisions such as lung cancer, genito­ urinary cancer, pediatric oncology, etc. Second, by asking eminent authori­ ties in each of these areas to edit a volume on the specific topic on an annual or biannual basis. Each optic and tumor type is covered in a volume appear­ ing frequently and predictably, discussing current diagnosis, staging, markers, all forms of treatment modalities, basic biology, and more.