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Today, treatment options for cancer patients typically include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. While these therapies have saved lives and reduced pain and suffering, cancer still takes millions of lives every year around the world. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early-stage diagnosis. Molecular Targets and Cancer presents information about cancer diagnosis and therapy in a simple way. It covers several aspects of the topic with updated information on par with medical board levels. The book features contributions from experts and includes an overview of cancer from basic biology and pathology, classifications, surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, types of cancer, treatment and prognosis. The second part of this book discusses specialized topics in clinical oncology which include the pathophysiology of various types of cancer, cancer screening, different types of cancer surgery, cancer stem cell-targeted immunotherapy, nanotechnology for precision medicine applications in cancer and cancer surveillance. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for oncologists, researchers, and all medical professionals who work in cancer care and research.

Today, treatment options for cancer patients typically include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. While these therapies have saved lives and reduced pain and suffering, cancer still takes millions of lives every year around the world. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early-stage diagnosis. Molecular Targets and Cancer presents information about cancer diagnosis and therapy in a simple way. It covers several aspects of the topic with updated information on par with medical board levels. The book features contributions from experts and includes an overview of cancer from basic biology and pathology, classifications, surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, types of cancer, treatment and prognosis. The first part of this book introduces the reader to cancer epidemiology, genetic alterations in cancer, exogenous and endogenous factors in carcinogenesis, roles for growth factors in cancer progression, cell signaling in cancer, transcription factors in cancer, and cancer genetics and epigenetics. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for oncologists, researchers, and all medical professionals who work in cancer care and research.

The way a cell undergoes malignant transformation should meet their capacity of surviving in the microenvironment of the organ where the cancer will develop. Metabolic adaptation is for sure one of the criteria that must be accomplished, driven by metabolic plasticity that allows the adaptation of cancer cells to the availability of energy and biomass sources that will sustain cell survival and proliferation. Each human organ has a particular microenvironment which depends on several cell types and in some cases also on symbiotic microorganisms. These biological partners are constantly sharing organic compounds and signaling molecules that will control mitogenesis, cell death and differentiation, accounting for the organ's function. Nevertheless, cancer cells are capable of taking advantage of this metabolic and signaling microenvironmental dynamics.In this book, we intend to present the different components of the microenvironment driving the metabolic fitness of cancer cells. Themetabolic changes required for establishing a tumor in a given microenvironment and how these metabolic changes limit the response to drugs will generally be the major items addressed. It is important to mention not only aspects of the microenvironment that stimulate metabolic changes and that select better adapted tumor cells, but also how this regulation of cell plasticity is made. Thus, the signaling pathways that orchestrate and are orchestrated throughout this panoply of metabolic rearrangements will also be addressed in this book. The subjects will be presented from the conceptual point of view of the cross-cancer mechanisms and also particularizing some models that can be examples and enlightening within the different areas.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease and overwhelmingly increasing experimental evidence has helped us to develop a deeper understanding of the role of signal transduction cascades in cancer development and progression. Tissue microarrays and next generation sequencing technologies have assisted us to gather missing pieces of jigsaw puzzle and we now know that deregulation of spatio-temporally controlled signaling cascades play fundamental role in metastasis and resistance against wide ranging therapeutics.This book offers a balanced overview of the rapidly emerging cutting edge research in molecular oncology and good source of knowledge for established oncologists, basic and medical students and pharmaceutical industry associated R&D departments.

Spheroid Culture in Cancer Research describes the various techniques now available for establishing spheroid tissue culture, including spheroid culture from normal tissues and from tumor cell lines. The book also describes how the spheroid system can be used to study interactions between normal and malignant cells. Microenvironmental conditions in spheroids and how this micromilieu may promote cellular heterogeneity and histiotypic structures not observed in corresponding monolayer cultures are discussed. The biological importance of oxygen tension, pH gradients, diffusions of nutrients, and cell-cell communication in spheroids are also examined.The book will be profoundly important to researchers in experimental chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and hyperthermia.

An international team of accomplished researchers has been assembled to define the role that antioxidants and pro-oxidants play in cancer. Increasing scientific evidence points to the importance of antioxidants and pro-oxidants in both the etiology of cancer development and in cancer treatments. This book should prove useful for research scientists wanting a comprehensive review of the latest accomplishment in this area and for health care-providers who advise patients and the general public about dietary antioxidants and the safety and appropriate use of antioxidant supplements. Endogenous antioxidants systems that play key roles in modulating the in vivo effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are reviewed in detail. Many exogenous antioxidants such as vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), vitamin C, green tea polyphenols, beta-carotene and curcumin are individually discussed as well as their potential roles in alternative and complementary medicine approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. For public health professionals the question of whether or not antioxidants have a safe chemopreventive role is central: it is clearly much more effective to prevent cancer than deal with its consequences including the damaging side effects of many chemotherapeutics. A key theme explored throughout this book is the cancer-related events arising from oxidative stress and the over production of ROS. On the one hand, oxidative stress has been linked to DNA damage, mutations and an increased risk of cancer. Quite remarkably, cancer cells often exhibit a high level of intrinsic oxidative stress that is fundamental to the expression of many cancer phenotypes. The molecular mechanism whereby ROS modulate cell signaling pathways related to cancer phenotypes is, therefore, carefully reviewed. One chapter, based on original research, describes a novel methodology for measuring the cellular production of specific reactive oxygen species. A most important question is whether or not antioxidants can reduce the incidence of cancers or block the expression of cancer phenotypes. Oxidative stress in cancer cells is, however, a dual-edged sword and many cancer therapies rely on using an additional oxidative stressor to selectively drive cancer cells into programmed cell death. The high level of intrinsic oxidative stress expressed by many cancer cells has often been called the “Achilles'heal” of cancer. A second question is whether antioxidants could negatively interfere with pro-oxidant based cancer therapies. These two questions and related issues are addressed in this book. Pharmacologists with an interest in the rationale design of drugs and prodrugs for treating cancer by exploiting its high level of intrinsic oxidative stress will also benefit from this book since this issue is specifically addressed in a number of chapters. Issues related to antioxidants and pro-oxidants are also discussed in relationship to specific cancers such colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

Volume 542 of Methods in Enzymology continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This new volume covers research methods providing a theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Malignant cells exhibit metabolic changes when compared to their normal counterparts, owing to both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Although such a metabolic rewiring has recently been indicated as'yet another'general hallmark of cancer, accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolic alterations of each neoplasm rather represent a molecular signature that intimately accompanies, and hence cannot be severed from, all facets of malignant transformation. - Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field - Covers research methods in biomineralization science - Provides theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells, and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo

In this volume, the major metabolic alterations identified in cancer and tumor-associated cells are explored, including discussions of former and emerging approaches to drug development in targeting cancer cell metabolism. The metabolic network in cells promotes the generation of both energy and biomass needed for them to grow, divide and differentiate. However, the metabolism of malignant cells generally varies from that of normal cells. These differences provide a platform for the discovery of new approaches to targeting potential vulnerabilities in cancer cells for therapeutic options Some of the significant changes that occur involve ATP production and consumption that modulates the ATP to ADP ratio, hypoxia and the effects of reactive oxygen species on glycolysis, regulation of mitochondrial respiration, induction and suppression of autophagy, and the Warburg effect and “reverse” Warburg effect--these topics and more are discussed in this volume.

This book includes eight chapters of original research articles and six chapters of review articles, encompassing the latest advancements in detection, growth and treatment of prostate cancer. Detection of prostate cancer in human patients has been well established using prostate-specific antigen as a marker and a variety of imaging tools. However, for laboratory studies particularly in preclinical animal studies, such tools are still being developed. This book introduces novel imaging methods, such as bioluminescent imaging, chemiluminescence, and magnetic resonance imaging. Prostate cancer stem cells are emerging as a new focus of research. How to detect cancer stem cells and how to culture them are described in details herein. This book highlights several studies in exploring some unknown aspects of prostate cancer.

The study of the phenotypic and genetic features that characterize the malignant cell is a rapidly growing and changing field. Clearly new insights into the processes involved in normal and abnormal cell growth will facilitate our understanding of events relevant to cancer and cellular differentiation. Early studies on genetic fea­ tures associated with cancer focused on chromosomal abnormalities that were observable in several human malignancies. The more recent examination of onco­ genes and the proteins they encode has helped pinpoint many steps in different processes that might be involved in cancer. Immunologic studies of cancer have also developed from an imprecise series of investigations to a more detailed molecular examination of cell-surface struc­ tures that can be recognized immunologically. In the course of the development of modern tumor immunology, it has become clear that many of the antigens that can be recognized appear to be the products of genes involved in cell growth. Fur­ thermore, changes in the cell surface of malignant cells have often been found to include alteration of nonprotein constituents.

The basic knowledge of cell biology and molecular genetics in oncology is increasingly attracting the interest of clinical oncologists and is close to reaching a helpful application at the bedside. At present, it seems clear that the solution of the cancer problem lies within the comprehension of the intimate mechanisms leading to cell transformation and tumor progression as weIl as of the cancer-host relationship. According to this rationale every achievement in this context could drastically improve both diagnosis and therapy of neoplastic diseases. This={)ook represents the proceedings of the International Conference o~ Cancer: Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Applications, held in Rome on November 16-18, 1992. The meeting was organized by the Centro di Ricerche Oncologiche'Giovanni XXIII'of the Catholic University of Rome and the Consorzio Mario Negri Sud of S. M. Imbaro in collaboration with other colleagues from the Universities of Napoli and Bologna. As organizers and pmticipants to the Conference we think the meeting was a success, as was confirmed by the great interest raised in scientific and academic circles. The book collects contributions from leading scientists in all oncological m·eas ranging from molecular biology to immunology, diagnosis and therapy. The papers are organized into four sections: I - Molecular aspects of cell transformation and growth; II - Membrane receptors and signal transduction; III - Models for new therapeutical strategies; IV - Clinical Applications, following the strategy that chm·acterized the entire meeting: from molecule to bedside.

Growing human cancer cells in primary culture requires patience, intuition, care and experience. This is one of the few areas where the wrinkled senior scientist can be more productive than the bright young post-doc. There are few mechanical aids, no automated procedures, and kits are unheard-of. There is no right way to do it and every tumour is different. But this book will make it easier! Chapter 1 on characterization is essential reading. Much published work is useless because of the failure to take two simple steps to characterise the cells. The first step is to fully record all the clinical data - the absence of this information can render the work valueless. The second step is to confirm the origin of the tissue to exclude cross­ contamination. The wastage of years of work can be avoided with the use of a simple DNA preparation with a couple of commercially-available probes. Chapter 2 describes the development of serum-free media. This is a goal many would like to achieve, particularly if someone else does it, as it is laborious and empirical. Defined serum-free medium is essential for studies of growth factors and has major advantages in the commercial preparation of cell products and other applications.

It is widely recognized that the host response to tumor munotherapy of experimental metastases in animal systems progression is an important determinant in cancer growth which are beginning to be developed for ultimate clinical and progression. Indeed, as indicated in Volume I of this trials of human cancer metastasis. series, the process of cancer growth and progression, leading This volume explores a variety of host properties that to tumor invasion and metastasis, is dependent upon the influence tumor development including dormancy, regress­ complex, dynamic interactions between the properties of the ion, and recurrence. In addition, current knowledge of the tumor as well as the properties of the host. While Volume III response of the central nervous system to cancer, cardiac of this series reviews in great detail the influence of tumor and pulmonary complications, dermatologic effects and development on the host, this volume emphasizes the in­ hematologic complications of malignancies is presented. fluence of the host on tumor development. These host re­ The endocrine and metabolic function of cancer patients, as sponses include host anti-tumor immune reactivity, tumor well as the production of hormones by tumors is also review­ dormancy, cachexia, multiple endocrine and paraneoplastic ed.

Recent experimental evidence has made it increasingly clear In particular, this volume reviews the discrete steps involved that the properties of invasive, malignant cells during tumor in metastatic invasion: the interaction of invasive tumor cells development substantially impact on the host. This is under­ with extracellular matrices, the basement membrane, attach­ scored by a variety of biochemical properties of tumor cells ment to extracellular matrices, local proteolytic degradation during their differentiation and metastatic dissemination. of matrices, and the locomotion of invasive tumor cells These properties can be analyzed at different stages of tumor through such areas of localized degradation. The critical growth and progression and this volume explores the role of the cell surface in secondary tumor formation is characteristics of primary tumors as well as the shared reviewed as are important advances in the molecular biology characteristics of both primary and secondary tumors. of metastasis initiation and maintenance. Recent advances The primary tumor comes into existence following in the role of DNA methylation in the generation of tumor preneoplastic biochemical and cellular events that ultimate­ cell heterogeneity and tumor progression are also critically ly result in malignant transformation. Various aspects of summarized. Chapters in this volume also review molecular metabolism, predetermined by nutritional status, often play aspects of metastatic progression, and the use of the tech­ a basic role. Obesity, for example, is cancer-promoting. Cell nologies of DNA transfection and somatic cell fusion in the surface carbohydrates, cytoskeletal proteins, glycoproteins, exploration of molecular aspects of metastatic progression.

In the post-genomic era, cancer is a genetic disease. However, cancer genotype does not always equal cancer phenotype. Cancers with the same genetic abnormalities don't always behave the same. Understanding and eradicating cancers will require an appreciation for cancer's ecology. This book is the first to comprehensively explore and critically appraise cancer microenvironments and host interactions with an eye towards exploiting our understanding for new treatments. The team of contributors share amongst them impressive experiences at the laboratory bench and in the clinic. These physician-scientists have dedicated themselves to the tension between the urgency for cures and the technical challenges of discovery. The target audience includes clinical oncologists, clinical hematologists, research oncologists, research hematologists, immunologists, stem cell researchers, oncology and hematology fellows (trainees), oncology educators (graduate and undergraduate levels), and course book for graduate students and undergraduate students.

Quantification of the proliferative characteristics of normal and malignant cells has been of interest to oncolo­ gists and cancer biologists for almost three decades. This interest stems from (a) the fact that cancer is a disease of uncontrolled proliferation, (b) the finding that many of the commonly used anticancer agents are preferentially toxic to cells that are actively proliferating, and (c) the observa­ tion that significant differences in proliferation characteristics exist between normal and malignant cells. Initially, cell cycle analysis was pursued enthusiastically in the hope of gener­ ating information useful for the development of rational cancer therapy strategies; for example, by allowing identi­ fication of rapidly proliferating tumors against which cell cycle-specific agents could be used with maximum effec­ tiveness and by allowing rational scheduling of cell cyc- specific therapeutic agents to maximize the therapeutic ratio. Unfortunately, several difficulties haveprevented realiza­ tion of the early promise of cell cycle analysis: Proliferative patterns of the normal and malignant tissues have been found to be substantially more complex than originally an­ ticipated, and synchronization of human tumors has proved remarkably difficult. Human tumors of the same type have proved highly variable, and the cytokinetic tools available for cell cycle analysis have been labor intensive, as well as somewhat subjective and in many cases inapplicable to humans. However, the potential for substantially improved cancer therapy remains if more accurate cytokinetic infor­ mation about human malignancies and normal tissues can be obtained in a timely fashion.

Biological Activities of Steroids in Relation to Cancer covers the proceedings of the conference sponsored by the Cancer Chemotherapy National Service Center, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, and the U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The text focuses on the influence of steroids on medical approaches to the cure of cancer, including steroid chemistry, estrogen metabolism, and mammary cancer. The selection first offers information on steroids growth and cancer, advances in steroid chemistry, and the physiology and pharmacology of steroids affecting tumor growth. Discussions focus on rapid development of mammary cancer, pituitary functions, androgens, estrogens, and progestins. The book also ponders on the binding of steroid hormones by plasma proteins; the effects of steroids on the levels of the plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and the serum protein-bound iodine; and the metabolism of dehydroisoandrosterone. The text evaluates studies on estrogen metabolism, biochemical parameters of estrogen action, and enzymatic transport of hydrogen by estrogenic hormones. The manuscript also elaborates on the fate of steroid estrogens in target tissues, effect of steroids on calcium dynamics, and steroids and experimental mammary cancer. The selection is a valuable source of information for readers interested in the use of steroids in treating cancer.

In apoptosis in the mammalian system, cells have a finite life - they develop, are used and then die. Cancer cells escape this programmed routine but, from an understanding of apoptosis, they can be programmed to die. This book addresses the

Kinetics of Experimental Tumour Processes focuses on the principles of the kinetics of experimental malignant growth. This book also looks into the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy and certain problems of carcinogenesis and biochemistry. Organized into eight chapters, this monograph first describes the kinetic curve for tumor growth and the experimental data on tumor growth from the USSR and elsewhere. Subsequent chapters deal with kinetic analysis of the results obtained by various treatments of tumors; pharmacokinetic methods of major regularities connected with general problems of cancer chemotherapy; molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy; and the role of free radicals in the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and tumor growth. The last two chapters detail the kinetic analysis of biochemical shifts occurring in tumor tissues and the disturbance of structure and biosynthesis of informational macromolecules occurring in tumor growth. This book will help in the mutual efforts among researchers for the solution of the most important current problems in oncology.