Search

Cancer treatment is a challenging issue, while the treatment modalities have extended from traditional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to new therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and hormone therapy. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is needed to find a better therapeutic protocols in order to increase the prognosis and quality of life of patients with cancer. The second volume of the “Interdisciplinary Cancer Research” series, entitled “Cancer Treatment: An Interdisciplinary Approach” publishes comprehensive volumes on different cancer treatment modalities and presents the most updated and peer-reviewed articles on cancer therapy. This interdisciplinary series is of special value to researchers and practitioners working on cell biology, immunology, hematology, biochemistry, genetics, oncology and related fields. This is the main concept of Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), which is a part of Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN). This interdisciplinary book will be of special value for researchers and clinicians who wish to extend their knowledge on cancer treatment.

This book introduces the most important and best studied extracellular and pericellular molecules of the tumor microenvironment. It gives a comprehensive overview of their role in tumor development and cancer progression.Twelve chapters deal with the biochemical and biophysical background of extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in the tumor stroma compared to the physiological state. The reader learns about the major ECM components that are deregulated during cancer development and how they are associated with cancer progression associated with survival, inflammation process, among others. These are followed by recent data about the cooperative activity of extracellular matrix in tumor metabolism, promoting cancer progression.Two chapters focus specifically on the critical role of the ECM in tumor angiogenesis, linking this process to cellular infiltration and metastatic behavior of tumors. The final part describes how the ECM influences the success of immuno- and chemotherapy in cancer patients, its potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target, as well as the mechanism of resistance-associated changes in the ECM. This book is an interesting read for anyone who want to know more about ECM and cancer biology. Early career scientists can use it as an introduction to the field, offering an excellent tool for studying ECM. Advanced researchers and clinicians can gain a broader overview of the subject, considering the role of ECM for influencing every cancer hallmark as well as in the response of cancer treatments. The work serves to inspire future research and shows that the ECM should be considered as an important factor in the development of cancer therapeutics. The series'Biology of Extracellular Matrix'is published in collaboration with the American Society for Matrix Biology and the International Society for Matrix Biology.

The book is dedicated to Follicular lymphoma and Mantle cell lymphoma and highlights major reference works that contributed significantly to the understanding of these two lymphomas. The aim is to bring the basic science adjacent to the applied science. There is significant focus on the biology of normal B cell development that forms the basis for understanding the pathobiology of these entities. This text is designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive summary of traditional and newer entities, prognostic markers, pathobiology and newer classifications based on molecular genetics/chromosomal abnormalities. The chapters are written by practicing hematopathologists, molecular pathologists, dermatopathologists and clinical haematologists with an emphasis on practical approaches to these entities. The newer technologies and their practical applications are elaborated in an easy-to-comprehend format. Follicular Lymphoma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma is an approachable read for residents and fellows and clinically relevant to practicing pathologists and hematologists. It also serves as a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in B cell lymphomas.

This book assesses: 1) the possible association between tissue stiffness and risk of cancer development; up to now a rather high number of malignant tumoral histotypes have been identified in the different human organs and have been included in our anatomopathological classifications. Therefore, we decided to consider in our review only the following organs: brain, breast, colon, esophagus, kidney. liver, lung, prostate, stomach, thyroid and uterus and for each of them we have analyzed the most frequent, aggressive and lethal malignancies as paradigm; 2) the “state of art” for this topic with clinical (diagnostic and therapeutic management) purpose; 3) the potential relationship between the values of tissue stiffness and prognosis in patients with cancers involving the above reported organs and the current use as well as their potential future application in clinical practice.

Gliomas, developing in the brain from the transformed glial cells, are a very special kind of tumor, extremely refractory to conventional treatments. Therefore, for the development of new antitumor strategies, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms responsible for their biology, growth and invasion is still needed. This book is a reference on cellular signaling processes regulating gliomas physiology and invasiveness. The work is focused on the mechanism of nucleotide receptor activation by exogenous nucleotides and formation of complex signaling cascades induced by growth factors, cytokines and cannabinoids. The second edition of the book enriched in new chapters provides a framework explaining how signal transduction elements may modulate numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations, describes the role of local microenvironment in cellular growth, progression and invasion and, in the light of extensive new results, presents perspectives concerning potential targets for gliomas therapy.

The new edition of this textbook integrates the history, epidemiology, pathology, pathophysiology, therapeutics, and supportive care of modern neoplastic hematopathology. Now in its sixth edition, this classic and invaluable text brings together a team of internationally renowned experts and offers in-depth coverage of the complex interface between diagnosis and therapy. The textbook is divided into five major sections, with the first four covering the spectrum of hematologic neoplasia, including chronic leukemias and related disorders, acute leukemias, myeloma and related disorders, and lymphomas, and the fifth section covering a variety of topics in supportive care. Chapters are presented in an accessible and easy-to-read layout, providing updates on the tremendous progress made in the last decade in the understanding of the nature of hematologic malignancies and their treatment.Neoplastic Diseases of the Blood, Sixth Edition is an authoritative and indispensable resource for students, trainees, and clinicians, sure to distinguish itself as the definitive reference on this subject.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a lymphoid neoplasm originating from a mature, follicular center B-cell that is phenotypically positive for CD10, BCL-6, LOM2, and HGAL, with a hallmark genetic translocation involving the MYC gene (at 8q24) and its partner – either immunoglobulin heavy chain (14q) or light chain (kappa at 2q and lambda at 22q) – and a very aggressive clinical nature. BL can be divided into three clinical subcategories: Endemic, sporadic and HIV/AIDS/immunodeficiency with prevalence in children, adolescents and young adults. Clinical manifestations could slightly be variable upon its clinical subcategories; however, they share certain similar features, e.g., fast growing mass, frequent extranodal presentation, are associated with EBV infection, and sensitive to tumor reduction therapy with a high risk of tumor lysis syndrome and uric acid nephropathy. It is important to differentiate BL from other aggressive types of B-cell lymphomas as with intensive, short-term chemotherapy, e.g., hyper-CVAD (hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and cytarabine). Additionally, CNS prophylaxis BL showed a much better clinical response. Nearly all types of BL lack or dimly express BCL-2, differentiating it from other mimickers. A diagnostic challenging variant of BL – an MYC-negative harboring 11q abnormalities, namely “Burkitt-like lymphoma with an 11q aberration” – has been recently proposed. Novel next generation sequencing and gene expression profiling has brought about new insights into BL. TCF3(E2A), a transcription factor involving the regulation of lymphoid cell survival and proliferation, its negative regulator known as ID3, and the downstream gene CCND3 were also frequently mutated in cases of BL. The characterization of molecular biology and the genetic profile of BL leads to the future of personalized medicine and targeted therapy. This book focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations/staging, differential diagnoses, MYC-driven pathogenesis and therapeutic options concerning BL. These updates in BL and associated EBV- or MYC-positive diseases will benefit trainees, physicians and basic scientists who engage in the diagnosis, treatment, and novel drug development for this disease.

This volume, in discussing resistance to ibritumomab, will focus on the mechanism, hematological aspects, radiological and nuclear medicine aspects, and medical physics that deal with radiation dosimetry, and will outline future prospects for overcoming resistance and enhancing efficacy of ibritumomab.

This volume provides an overview on the influence of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on tumor progression. It covers topics such as signaling induced by structural ECM proteins including collagen and fibronectin, the control of ECM deposition and the turnover in tumors. Also discussed are the migration of cells through basement membranes and the function of proteoglycans including lumican and veriscan in tumor progression. Biomaterial-based in-vitro models as well as C. elegans models of the tumor microenvironment are used to show how these models can lead to a greater understanding of the disease mechanisms that promote cancer progression. The book addresses researchers working on cancer biology or ECM, and oncologists alike.

This book would like to present the latest findings on different aspects of tumor matrix formation in connection with the tumor progression and metastasis and on alterations in the cellular components of tumor stroma during tumor demarcation and invasion.

This issue of the Surgical Pathology Clinics entitled “Molecular Pathology: Predictive, Prognostic, and Diagnostic Markers in Tumors” is being edited by Dr. Lynette Sholl and will cover molecular pathology in a wide array of anatomic locations including, salivary gland, lung, bladder, glioma, endometrium, colon, pancreaticobiliary tract, sarcoma, myeloid neoplasams, and lymphomas.

Drug Discovery in Cancer Epigenetics is a practical resource for scientists involved in the discovery, testing, and development of epigenetic cancer drugs. Epigenetic modifications can have significant implications for translational science as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis or therapy prediction. Most importantly, epigenetic modifications are reversible and epigenetic players are found mutated in different cancers; therefore, they provide attractive therapeutic targets. There has been great interest in developing and testing epigenetic drugs, which inhibit DNA methyltransferases, histone modifying enzymes or chromatin reader proteins. The first few drugs are already FDA approved and have made their way into clinical settings. This book provides a comprehensive summary of the epigenetic drugs currently available and aims to increase awareness in this area to foster more rapid translation of epigenetic drugs into the clinic. - Highlights the potential of epigenetic alterations in cancer for drug development - Covers the tools and methods for epigenetic drug discovery, preclinical and clinical testing, and clinical implications of epigenetic therapy - Provides important information regarding putative epigenetic targets, epigenetic technologies, networks and consortia for epigenetic drug discovery and routes for translation

The first three editions of this acclaimed book presented a much-needed conceptual synthesis of this rapidly moving field. Now, Cancer Cytogenetics, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive, expanded, and up-to-date review of recent dramatic advances in this area, incorporating a vast amount of new data from the latest basic and clinical investigations. New contributors reflecting broader international authorship and even greater expertise Greater emphasis throughout on the clinical importance and application of information about cytogenetic and molecular aberrations Includes a complete coverage of chromosome aberrations in cancer based on an assessment of the 60,000 neoplasms cytogenetically investigated to date Now produced in full color for enhanced clarity Covers how molecular genetic data (PCR-based and sequencing information) are collated with the cytogenetic data where pertinent Discusses how molecular cytogenetic data (based on studies using FISH, CGH, SNP, etc) are fused with karyotyping data to enable an as comprehensive understanding of cancer cytogenetics as is currently possible

Advances in Cancer Research provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Here, once again, outstanding and original reviews are presented on a variety of topics. This volume covers hyaluronan signaling and turnover. - Provides information on cancer research - Outstanding and original reviews - Suitable for researchers and students

Gliomas are fatal diseases, but also represent good models for tumor research with the aim to eventually discover new and appropriate therapeutics against this disease. Glioma experimental research models are of help to investigate tumorigenesis (tumor stem cell theory versus'classical'opinions), tumor angiogenesis (since they are highly vascularized) and tumor invasion (since they grow without limits). In addition, they have a very special microenvironment (the brain) and limited tumor stroma cells (mainly microglia and endothelial cells). This book addresses the molecular mechanisms of the various tumor stages, describes the interaction with the tumor microenvironment and furthermore depicts experimental models for Glioma research and future therapeutic concepts. The book is composed and written for Scientists and Medical Doctors in Oncology, Neurosciences and Molecular Biology. ​

After a decade of tremendous progress in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to malignant lymphoma, optimal treatment strategies are now based not only on accurate diagnosis but also on thorough evaluation of clinical and molecular risk factors. Even more importantly, molecular targeted approaches have been shown to be effective in the treatment of distinct lymphoma subtypes. Against this background, clinical management of especially the rare lymphomas remains a challenge for the general oncologist. This book provides a comprehensive overview of current treatment strategies in these rare lymphoma subtypes. Experts in the field from around the world describe histomorphology in a clinically relevant manner, consider the role of risk factors in detail, and discuss the spectrum of therapeutic approaches. Special emphasis is placed on the translation of molecular science into clinical care, and a disease-specific algorithm is proposed for each entity.

Volume 13: Pineal, Pituitary, and Spinal Tumors is organized in six sections, for convenience and quick access to critical information. Section I, Types of Tumors includes a chapter on molecular characterization of Embryonal tumors, a chapter on diagnosis of metastatic oligodendroglioma using fine-needle aspiration cytology, one covering intra-arterial chemotherapy of oligodendroglial tumors and another on the role of cyclooxygenase-2 in the development and growth of Schwannomas, and others, closing with a chapter on trigeminal neuralgia with cerebellopontine angle tumors. Section II, Diagnosis, includes two chapters on cell counting in histopathologic slides of tumors. Section III offers three chapters which discuss aspects of intraoperative ultrasonography. Section IV covers brain tumor surgery, and Section V surveys Brain Metastasis. The final section offers a wide-ranging review of General Diseases, with chapters on, among others, Alexander Disease; Lipoma; Transplantation of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells in cases of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage; and a chapter discussing the use of mobile phones and brain cancer risk in children. Like its twelve predecessors in the series, this volume merits distinction for its thorough approach, its roster of 78 distinguished contributors representing 14 different countries and its detailed examination of leading-edge technology and methods.

Das vorliegende Buch behandelt das Ferment Hyaluronidase und dessen Wirkung in der Behandlung maligner Erkrankungen. Es enthält außerdem eine Beschreibung der Substanz, der biochemischen Grundlagen, des experimentellen Hintergrundes und der klinischen Anwendung, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der aufgrund einer rezenten klinischen Beobachtung neuerdings in Prüfung befindlichen Anwendung bei malignen Erkrankungen. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse unterstützen die Annahme, daß Hyaluronidase die Wirkung der zytostatischen Chemotherapie bei malignen Erkrankungen intensivieren kann und zudem auch eine Möglichkeit darstellen könnte, eine bestehende Chemoresistenz zu durchbrechen.

Recently, understanding the molecular pathogenesis of malignant lymphomas has led to improvement in the diagnostic precision and to the identification of a variety of molecular therapeutic targets. In addition, new drugs have been approved in the US and Europe, resulting in changes in the standard of care of several types of lymphoid malignancies. Comprehensive in scope and developed by a team of internationally renowned authors, Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Treatment provides a timely update on the most important advances in the biology, diagnosis, and therapy of lymphomas. As part of the Current Clinical Oncology series, Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Treatment will be of value to medical oncologists, hematologists, radiation oncologists, and all physicians involved in the care of patients with lymphoid malignancies.

Glioma Signaling is a text reference on cellular signaling processes focused on the mechanism of nucleotide receptors activation by exogenic nucleotides and the formation of complex signaling cascades, including cytoplasmic transcription factors, induced by growth factors, cytokines and cannabinoids. The book provides a framework explaining how signal transduction elements may modulate glioma cytoskeleton structure, cytoplasmic calcium concentration changes, cellular growth, progression and invasion, as well as presents perspective concerning potential targets for glioma therapy.

This book reviews the biology, current treatment modalities and new emerging therapeutic approaches and targets for glioma, a highly aggressive and invasive brain tumor. In the first section entitled “Symptoms and Diagnosis” the pathologic features of the most frequently WHO classified gliomas encountered in the clinical practice, are described. The molecular genetics and specifically the mutations that underlie brain tumors are outlined. The inherited genetic susceptibility and lifestyle risk factors reflecting on glioma epidemiology are discussed. With regard to “Diagnosis”, the clinical features of glioma as well as diagnostic methods that include conventional and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain mapping are described. These brain mapping techniques are used pre and intraoperative in glioma surgery and allow the identification of the cortical and subcortical functional pathways to maximize the extent of glioma resection while decreasing the risk of postoperative neurological deficits. In the second section entitled “Current Treatment Options” the available therapies are discussed. They include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with specific focus on newly developed, dose rate modulated re-treatment irradiation for recurrent glioma patients. In this approach the radiation is delivered below standard dose-rates resulting in reduced normal tissue toxicity but significant tumor regression. Targeted therapies are discussed especially the anti-angiogenic therapies for which expectations were high, but so far have not match clinical outcome. In addition, therapies for cerebrospinal fluid disseminated disease or leptomeningeal metastasis (LMD), a common problem in neuro-oncology patients are discussed. Finally, treatments for the neurological complications of glioma management that are not directly related to tumor eradication are outlined. In the third and final section of this book entitled “Future Treatment Options: New Targets and Experimental Therapies” some of the new emerging therapeutic approaches and targets for glioma are reviewed. These include targeting cancer stem cells, the vascular niche and the extracellular matrix components that provide support for these cells. Other innovative therapeutic approaches include targeting of glioma-associated antigens and the development of immunotherapeutics and oncolytic viruses targeting these antigens. In addition, targeting of glioma pathways such as PTEN/AKT involved in cell proliferation, adhesion and apoptosis and the thiol-based redox system, the basis of chemotherapeutic resistance characteristic of glioma cell biology are discussed as well. Also, reviewed are new approaches (with some being in clinical trials) for targeting glioma with anti-cancer cytotoxins, such as interleukin 13 (IL-13)-based cytotoxin and glioma targeting peptides such as scorpion derived neurotoxin, chlorotoxin evaluated in anti-glioma therapeutics delivery. Finally, nanoparticles based systems are reviewed representing a new modality for the delivery of therapeutics to brain tumors with some systems such as magnetic nanoparticles being currently in clinical trials. This new rapidly developing field of nanotechnology enabled delivery often employs targeting molecules such as antibodies against glioma antigens and chlorotoxin. In summary, this book provides a compilation of the most recent information in the field of glioma biology, diagnosis and current as well as an emerging treatment options for glioma.

Frontiers in Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery is an Ebook series devoted to publishing the latest and the most important advances in Anti-Cancer drug design and discovery. Eminent scientists write contributions on all areas of rational drug design and drug discovery including medicinal chemistry, in-silico drug design, combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput screening, drug targets, recent important patents, and structure-activity relationships. The Ebook series should prove to be of interest to all pharmaceutical scientists involved in research in Anti-Cancer drug design and discovery. Each volume is devoted to the major advances in Anti-Cancer drug design and discovery. The Ebook series is essential reading to all scientists involved in drug design and discovery who wish to keep abreast of rapid and important developments in the field.

In this thoroughly revised and expanded third edition of the highly praised classic, The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics, a panel of hands-on experts update their descriptions of the basic concepts and interpretations involved in chromosome analysis to include the many advances that have occurred in the field. Among the highlights are a full chapter devoted to advances in chromosome microarray, soon to become a standard of care in this field, as well as an update on chromosome nomenclature as reflected in ISCN 2009. Other features include an update on automation to reflect the current state of the art, an update on hematopoietic neoplasms to reflect the new WHO guidelines, and updates on all regulatory changes that have been implemented. Cutting edge and readily accessible, The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics, Third Edition offers physicians who depend on the cytogenetics laboratory for the diagnosis of their patients, students in cytogenetics programs, graduate and medical students studying for board examinations, cytogenetics technologists, and cytogeneticists a clear understanding of what happens in the cytogenetics laboratory to facilitate accurate and timely diagnoses.

This work presents the most advanced discoveries from translational research laboratories directly involved in identifying molecules and signalling pathways that play an instrumental role in metastasis. In contrast to other works, conventionally focused on a single type of tumour, the various chapters in this book provide a broad perspective of the similarities and discrepancies among the dissemination of several solid malignancies. Through recurrent and overlapping references to molecular mechanisms and mediators, the readers will gain knowledge of the common ground in metastasis from a single source. Finally, an introductory chapter provides a clinical perspective of the problems presented by metastatic tumours for diagnosis and treatment. The work presented here is directed to researchers in tumour biology with a developing interest in metastatic dissemination as well as medical and graduate students seeking to expand and integrate the notions acquired in basic cancer biology and oncology courses.

The first meeting of the NATO/CCMS Pilot Study'Dose-Response Analysis and Biologically-Based Risk assessment for Initiator and Promoter Carcinogens'was held in Rome, Italy, in the spring of 1991, and was followed by annual or bi-annual meetings held in Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, USA, up to the end of 1995; in large part supported by NATO/CCMS grants or fellowships, and organized by Pilot Study participants. The Pilot Study activity has been characterized by a higly collaborative atmosphere, which was essential for a deep and detailed analysis of a problem on which different points of view, methodological approaches and regulations exist in the various member countries. The Pilot Study was aimed at proposing a carcinogenic risk assessment procedure which is based on a detailed analysis of the relevant biological processes, and may also consent the verification of hypotheses. The specific form of theoretical and mathe­ matical models is identified by considering and using the whole set of objective data available. The multidisciplinary approach of the pilot study is reflected by the struc­ ture of this book. Each chapter is the result of the cooperation of several authors from to produce a comprehensive manual that includes different countries; its objective was both theoretical and practical information.

The American Cancer Society anticipates that 16,500 patients will be diagnosed with primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system in 2000, with about 200,000 individuals presenting with brain metastases. The advances in the treatment of solid tumors have contributed significantly to the major increase in metastatic cancers to the brain. Of the primary malignant tumors of the brain, more than 50% are high-grade gliomas; the incidence has been increasing among older patients over the past decade. Major developments in new technologies in the treatment of primary brain tumors as well as metastatic disease are covered in depth. Even though management is difficult, advances are being made. This book is a concerted effort to present data regarding basic science research efforts alongside their translation into clinical practice using combined, integrated multimodal programs of treatment. Progress has been made, but innovatice approaches need to be pursued.

In addition to surgery and radiotherapy, local treatment modalities for the management of brain tumours are increasingly being developed and clinically tested. This book describes for the first time basic tumour biology as well as all current procedures in progress at the most recent level of knowledge, presented by leading experts in the respective fields. Image guided resection procedures, fluorescence guided surgery, developments in interstitial radiosurgery are addressed, just as intracavitary chemotherapy and all current concepts and studies of interstitial targeted therapy. Owing to its topicality this book will remain for long the standard for this comprehensively treated subject.

Pediatric Neoplasia: Advances in Molecular Pathology and Translational Medicine presents many of the major, relevant advances in molecular pathology that are occurring in the field of pediatric oncology and will serve as a useful overview for resident and attending physicians as well as scientists interested in understanding the molecular pathology of pediatric cancer in the context of clinical medicine. Chapters are based upon organ systems, and each is written by an expert or pair of experts in their field with subspecialty training and extensive clinical experience. Each chapter describes a variable number of tumors and includes an overview of the classification system and clinicopathological characteristics of each tumor. This is followed by a discussion of the molecular pathology relevant to a specific tumor, including specific molecular markers of the tumors, methods used for diagnosis or clinical management, clinical significance of the markers, and if appropriate, a description or discussion of current activities in translational research or issues that need to be addressed in the future. Pediatric Neoplasia: Advances in Molecular Pathology and Translational Medicine will be of great value to pathologists, oncologists, hematologists, internal medicine and pediatric specialists, as well as pharmaceutical professionals and translational and clinical researchers.

Cancer was thought to originate from alterations in intercellular signaling that resulted in the transformation of cells, their uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis. There is now an increasing body of evidence demonstrating that the surrounding matrix and cell-matrix interactions are also major players in this process. Cells adhere and receive signals from various extracellular matrices via transmembrane receptors, the best known of which are the heterodimeric glycoproteins, integrins.

Cancers of the central nervous system are among the most lethal of human neoplasms. They are recalcitrant to even intensive multimodality therapies that include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Moreover, especially in children, the consequences of these therapies can itself be devastating and involve serious cognitive and developmental disorders. It is small wonder that such cancers have come under the intense scrutiny of each of the subspecialties of clinical care and investigation as well as attracting some of the best basic research scientists. Their joint efforts are gradually peeling away the mysteries surrounding the genesis and progression of these tumors and inroads are being steadily made into understanding why they resist therapies. This makes it an especially opportune time to assemble some of the best investigators in the field to review the ‘‘state of the art''in the various arenas that comprise the assault on CNS tumors. The breadth of this effort by the clinical and basic neuro-oncology community is quite simply amazing. To a large extent, it evolves from the knowledge of the human genome and its regulation that has been hard won over the past two decades.

Hyaluronan biology is being recognized as an important regulator of cancer progression. Paradoxically, both hyaluronan (HA) and hyaluronidases, the enzymes that eliminate HA, have also been correlated with cancer progression. Hyaluronan, a long-chain polymer of the extracellular matrix, opens up tissue spaces through which cancer cells move and metastasize. It also confers motility upon cells through interactions of cell-surface HA with the cytoskeleton. Embryonic cells in the process of movement and proliferation use the same strategy. It is an example of how cancer cells have commandeered normal cellular processes for their own survival and spread. There are also parallels between cancer and wound healing, cancer occasionally being defined as a wound that does not heal. The growing body of literature regarding this topic has recently progressed from describing the association of hyaluronan and hyaluronidase expression associated with different cancers, to understanding the mechanisms that drive tumor cell activation, proliferation, drug resistance, etc. No one source, however, discusses hyaluronan synthesis and catabolism, as well as the factors that regulate the balance. This book will offer a comprehensive summary and cutting-edge insight into Hyaluronan biology, the role of the HA receptors, the hyaluronidase enzymes that degrade HA, as well as HA synthesis enzymes and their relationship to cancer. - Offers a comprehensive summary and cutting-edge insight into Hyaluronan biology, the role of the HA receptors, the hyaluronidase enzymes that degrade HA, as well as HA synthesis enzymes and their relationship to cancer - Chapters are written by the leading international authorities on this subject, from laboratories that focus on the investigation of hyaluronan in cancer initiation, progression, and dissemination - Focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive tumor cell activation, proliferation, and drug resistance

Cancer Cytogenetics, 3rd Edition, offers a comprehensive, expanded, and up-to-date review of recent dramatic advances in this area and incorporates a vast amount of new data from the latest basic and clinical investigations. Edited by two leading experts, and now involving a new panel of international experts, the book offers an authoritative description of neoplastic processes at the chromosomal level of genomic organization. Researchers in cytogenetics, medical and molecular genetics, cellular and molecular biology, cancer research, clinical oncology, and hematology will find this reference both thorough and authoritative.

The future of neurosurgery will be characterized by less invasive, molecular technologies that promise to revolutionize the field of neurosurgery and impact the treatment of additional neurological disorders, including neurometabolic diseases, stroke, dementias, affective and psychiatric diseases, movement disorders, epilepsy, and others. This book encompasses developing an understanding of the principles underlying the advent of novel molecular approaches to neurological and neurosurgical diseases. It Identifies key principles that will allow dramatic improvement in the treatment and outcomes of patients suffering from a varity of disorders affecting the central nervous system and spinal axis. This volume gives neurosurgeons an excellent understanding of the development of novel molecular and cellular technologies that will markedly change the way neurosurgery is practiced in the near future. It is also of special interest to neurologists, psychiatrists, physiatrists, spinal orthopeadic surgeons, neurobiologists and gene therapy research scientists.