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This work is the first compilation of comprehensive deliberations on botany, cytogenetics and sex determination, genetic resources and diversity, classical breeding, molecular markers and genome sequence resources, and application of omics technology including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics resources in the multipurpose medicinal plant seabuckthorn. The book also presents a detailed narrative on antioxidative, radioprotective nutraceutical, and medicinal applications of seabuckthorn products. A detailed treatment has been included on analytical techniques and processing technologies. Altogether, the book contains about 300 pages over 17 chapters contributed by globally reputed experts on the relevant field in this important plant species. This book will be useful to the research students, teachers, and scientists in the academia and private sector engaged in horticulture, genetics, breeding, molecular biology, biotechnology, and breeding. The book will also be a useful source for workers involved in the development of plant-based medicines, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and cosmeceuticals and extension workers involved in the development of rural farmers and small-scale industries.

This book illustrates the basics and underlying molecular machinery of cancer cells and biochemical assays that detect the type and stage of cancer through cell signaling biomarkers. It starts with a brief introduction to cancer biomarkers and addresses technologies for identifying and validating cancer biomarkers, biomarkers for cancer drug development, prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, and microbiome as cancer biomarkers. It reviews predictive biomarkers for anticancer drugs, biomarkers in cancer survival and drug resistance, biomarkers in tumor recurrence and metastasis, the role of the biomarker in immunotherapy and personalized medicine, and the development of a novel cancer biomarker. Finally, this book also underpins the role of nanotechnology in the use and detection of cancer biomarkers for enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Lastly, it discusses the challenges with biomarkers in cancer drug discovery and development. This volume is an indispensable tool for researchers working in the field of cancer and also for clinical oncologists.

This book is a multidisciplinary guide to head and neck cancer.Head and neck cancer remains one of the most technically complex cancer subsites to manage. This field involves highly specialized, multidisciplinary management and collaboration amongst surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other health disciplines. The clinical and research landscape for head and neck oncology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This multidisciplinary book provides the latest updates in the contemporary understanding and management of these tumors. The text incorporates updates in surgical techniques (minimally invasive and robotic techniques, reconstructive approaches), radiation medicine (new data on dose and fields, oligometastatic/oligoprogressive disease, retreatment), medical oncology (targeted, immunotherapy and molecular agents), in addition to other overarching topics such as side effects, biomarkers/nanotechnology, and epidemiology. Written by experts in their respective fields, chapters include the most up to date scientific and clinical information with perspectives from each relevant subspeciality. These sections are concise and accessible, yet comprehensive. Palliative medicine, pathologic and imaging principles, and health systems/economics considerations are also described. This book is an ideal resource for clinicians, trainees, and researchers dealing with, and interested in, this challenging malignancy.

This book provides up-to-date guidance that will assist radiation oncologists during the day-to-day management of nasopharyngeal cancer. After discussion of diagnosis and staging, target delineation techniques and treatment planning are described for both intensity-modulated and particle radiation therapy. Detailed information is then presented on the application of radiation therapy in different disease settings, from early stage disease to metastatic disease. Due attention is paid to the role of multimodality treatment and new and advanced technologies in particular circumstances, such as local recurrence. In addition, follow-up and the management of late toxicities are explained and management strategies are documented for special situations and groups, including pediatric patients. The book is published within the Springer series Practical Guides in Radiation Oncology. Like other volumes in the series, it is designed for hands-on use by both radiation oncology residents and practicing radiation oncologists. It will also be of value for head and neck physicians.

This book is an evidence-based guide to current use of radiation therapy for the treatment of malignancies at major disease sites. It is designed to meet the needs of residents, fellows, and practicing radiation oncologists and will assist in selection and delineation of tumor volumes/fields and dose prescription for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, including volumetric modulated arc therapy for stereotactic radiosurgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy. Each tumor site-related chapter presents, from the perspective of an academic expert, informative cases at different stages in order to clarify specific clinical concepts. The coverage includes case presentation, a case-related literature review, patient preparation, simulation, contouring, treatment planning, image-guided treatment delivery, follow-up, and toxicity management. The text is accompanied by illustrations ranging from slice-by-slice delineations on planning CT images to finalized plan evaluations based on detailed acceptance criteria. The expert knowledge and evidence contained in this comprehensive book will give readers the confidence to manage common cancers without outside referral and to meet the clinical challenges faced in everyday practice.

This book is specifically designed to provide information about various nanocarriers currently developed under the emerging field of nanotheranostics for a sustained, controlled, and targeted co-delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Diverse theranostic applications of nanotechnology and their limitations are also addressed. It integrates nanobiotechnology with theranostic applications. The combined term nanotheranostics has diverse application particularly in chemotherapy and other infectious diseases.Among other topics addressed are antimicrobial resistance, targeting intra-cellular pathogens, viruses and bacteria, chemotherapy, cancer therapeutics, and inflammatory disorders. This interdisciplinary volume is essential for a diverse group of readers including nanotechnologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, bioengineering and bioprocess industry.

Das Nachschlagewerk für die Weiterbildung und die praktische Arbeit in der Klinik erscheint mit neuem Herausgeberteam komplett überarbeitet und präsentiert kompakt zusammengefasst die Highlights der aktuellen pädiatrischen Hämatologie und Onkologie. Verständlich und ohne Ballast präsentiert, ist das Buch für Spezialisten auf dem Gebiet ebensogut geeignet wie als anwendungsbezogener Einstieg in die Thematik. Das Werk ist in drei übersichtliche Abschnitte eingeteilt: die pädiatrische Hämatologie und Hämostaseologie, die allgemeine pädiatrische Onkologie und die spezielle pädiatrische Onkologie. Hier werden Leukozyten und Lymphome sowie solide Tumoren besprochen, darunter Tumoren im Zentralnervensystem, im Bauch und die Sarkome. Eine klare und einheitliche Einteilung jedes Krankheitsbildes macht das Buch übersichtlich und gut zugänglich von der Epidemiologie über die Pathogenese, Klassifikation, klinische Präsentation bis zu Diagnostik, Differenzialdiagnostik und prognostischen Faktoren. Die Therapie umfasst die Einordnung in internationale Konzepte und wird jeweils mit einem übersichtlichen Therapiealgorithmus einschließlich der Heilungsraten präsentiert. Zukünftige Therapieoptionen unter Einschluss möglicher Rezidive runden die Kapitel ab. Die Expertise führender pädiatrischer Onkologen und Hämatologen aus dem gesamten deutschsprachigen Raum sorgt dafür, dass dieses Buch das zeitgemäße Nachfolgewerk des ehemals von Gadner/Gaedicke/Niemeyer/Ritter herausgegebenen Standardwerks zur pädiatrischen Hämatologie und Onkologie wird. Das Buch richtet sich an Ärzte in Weiterbildung der Kinder- und Jugendmedizin und an alle pädiatrischen Onkologen bzw. Hämatologen.

This book presents the most up-to-date and innovative information on the targeting and treatment of a wide range of childhood cancers by means of radiation therapy. Written by global experts in pediatric radiation oncology, it documents in detail the treatment regimens appropriate to each disease, highlighting the recent advances that promise to improve rates of survival and cure. The use of image-guided and intensity-modulated radiation therapy is clearly described, and careful attention is also devoted to the roles of proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic fractionated radiosurgery, and modulated arc radiotherapy. Separate chapters address localization and verification procedures and anesthesia; pediatric radiation oncology in the palliative care setting; and aspects that are especially relevant in low- and medium-income countries. Beyond clinical radiation oncology, relevant information is provided on radiation physics. The book concludes by examining future directions in the field.

This book provides an overview of the latest advances in head and neck cancer using a multidisciplinary approach. Commencing with a discussion of epidemiological and diagnostic aspects, including the role of vaccination and key pathological features, the book then follows by examining the role of oncogenomics, proteomics, next generation sequencing and homologous recombination function in predicting outcomes. The topics are presented by epidemiologists, pathologists and basic scientists with further contributions from medical oncologists, head and neck cancer surgical specialists (ORL /HNS), and radiation oncologists in chapters that discuss therapeutic approaches for oral, oropharyngeal and thyroid cancer. Special topics such as the development of novel staging classifications, optimal larynx preservation approaches for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, surgical reconstruction, new surgical approaches in oropharynx cancer, potential for treatment de-escalation, systemic therapyin nasopharyngeal cancer and salivary gland tumors and treatment approaches for tumors of unknown primary site are discussed in detail. Finally, the role of immunotherapy in the field is highlighted. The chapters are based on the latest data presented at the 6th Trends in Head and Neck Oncology Conference and reflect the most up-to-date information in the field. They are written by many of the most internationally acclaimed authors in the field and are therefore an excellent source for all those interested or actively working in the field of head and neck cancer.

This book, now in its second edition, provides a comprehensive overview of current re-irradiation strategies, with detailed discussion of re-irradiation methods, technical aspects, the role of combined therapy with anticancer drugs and hyperthermia, and normal tissue tolerance. In addition, disease specific chapters document recent clinical results and future research directions. All chapters from the first edition have been revised and updated to take account of the latest developments and research findings, including those from prospective studies. Due attention is paid to the exciting developments in the fields of proton irradiation and frameless image-guided ablative radiotherapy. The book documents fully how refined combined modality approaches and significant technical advances in radiation treatment planning and delivery have facilitated the re-irradiation of previously exposed volumes, allowing both palliative and curative approaches to be pursued at various disease sites. Professionals involved in radiation treatment planning and multimodal oncology treatment will find it to be an invaluable aid in understanding the benefits and limitations of re-irradiation and in designing prospective trials.

The book conveys a comprehensive knowledge of long and short ncRNAs in cancer regulation and their potentials as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Topics covered include the molecular mechanisms of various classes of ncRNAs (with emphasis on long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs) in cancer, the functional roles of ncRNAs in regulating different cancer hallmarks (including proliferation, apoptosis, stem-cell properties, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolism, angiogenesis, tumor-host interactions and therapeutic resistance), the role of ncRNAs in regulating cancer signaling circuitry programs (highlighting their involvement in c-myc, p53 and NFkB signaling), a systemic summary of clinical and preclinical studies that evaluate the potential of ncRNA signatures for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and strategies to delivery short ncRNAs as therapeutic molecules for cancer treatment. This book may serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, graduate students and oncologists in ncRNA and cancer research and help drug development by identifying ncRNA targets.

​This second edition ​provides a comprehensive view of consolidated and innovative concepts, in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. Written by leading international physicians and investigators, this book emphasizes the necessity of combining local and systemic treatments to achieve the objective of yielding higher cure rates and lower toxicities. Heavily updated from the previous edition, it highlights new surgery and radiotherapy techniques, disease awareness, patient quality of life, and comprehensive management. Head-and-neck cancers are a complex clinical entity and their response to treatment is also known to vary markedly in function of host-related factors. Notwithstanding the impressive progresses observed in the field of imaging, head and neck cancers are often diagnosed at a late stage and the presence of locally advanced disease in a significant number of patients implies the use of aggressive treatments in order to both ensure local disease control and reduce distant metastasis risks. In comparison with the first edition, Head and Neck Cancer, Second Edition provides a detailed update of innovative concepts in chemo- and bio-radiation, viral infection impact on tumor growth and response to treatment, and impact of tumor- and host-related factors on treatment outcome.

This volume includes the information necessary to understand recent critical advances in the mechanisms of intestinal tumorigenesis and to comprehend the complexity of the process. The volume aims to entice new researchers to participate in relevant studies, and to provide a forum for discussion within the scientific community to shape future research in this field. Discoveries in intestinal tumorigenesis lead to further understanding of mechanisms involved in colon cancer. Additionally, advancements in techniques and methods open the doors for new approaches to better define the molecular and organismal mechanisms of intestinal tumorigenesis. Chapters are authored by widely published authorities in the field.Each year, there are close to 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer, which results in approximately 50,000 deaths per year in the United States; these figures render colorectal cancer a significant health concern. Studies attempting to understand the mechanisms of development and progression of colorectal cancer have been ongoing for decades and each year brings new discoveries yielding a better comprehension of the underlying processes at work.

Principles and Practice of Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Second Edition serves as the definitive reference textbook for SRS practitioners. It provides a theoretical basis for the use of therapeutic radiation including imaging techniques and radiobiology. The bulk of the textbook contains chapters that are comprehensive in scope on all diseases that are treated by SRS. Lastly, it addresses administrative and technical aspects of running an SRS unit. Each chapter provides an expansive treatment of the subject, with emphasis placed on the technical aspects of SRS so that practitioners in this field can use it as a daily reference.Written by noted experts in the field, Principles and Practice of Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Second Edition is the only reference needed for neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and medical physicists at all levels of training and practice who are interested in SRS.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, remains a very difficult disease to treat and cure despite intensive investigation into molecular etiologies and tumor progression pathways. Due to public health efforts encouraging smoking cessation, the overall incidence of HNSCC has decreased in recent years in many countries. In contrast, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased significantly, and this subtype of HNSCC is commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Moreover, individuals with HPV-positive OPSCC are generally younger and are frequently non-smokers, suggesting that HPV-associated OPSCC represents a distinct biologic entity.This volume summarizes the spectrum of current HPV-associated OPSCC research from the fundamental basic science to translational surgery and treatment approaches. Chapters are contributed by authoritative leaders in the fields of research and clinical care. Initial chapters address epidemiology, behavioral correlates of HPV infection, and racial disparities in oropharyngeal cancer. This is followed by chapters detailing HPV virology with focus on viral transformation, viral replication, and host response to viral infection. The molecular biology of HPV-associated OPSCC is investigated in chapters detailing alterations in signaling networks and unique mutational profiles of human tumors. Clinical presentation, surgical perspectives, and treatment paradigms specific to HPV-associated OPSCC conclude the volume. This comprehensive volume provides an up-to-date overview of both scientific discovery and clinical management of this emerging public health problem.

This volume thoroughly explores of the functional role of microRNAs in cancer. It not only expertly describes the molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation process but also compiles cutting-edge research on microRNAs in several forms of cancer, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia/lymphoma, prostate cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and bone cancer. Distinguished experts, currently working in prestigious institutions, elegantly discuss these fundamental themes. The text, which opens with a foreword by the renowned Dr. Carlo M. Croce, is enhanced by abundant color photographs, schemes, diagrams, and tables that fully support and complement the content.microRNA: Cancer is an ideal companion to both microRNA: Basic Science andmicroRNA: Medical Evidence. Taken together, these three books provide a state-of-the-art overview of this rapidly-expanding and fascinating field, from the molecular level to clinical practice. It will be invaluable to medical students, physicians, and researchers, as a complete and unique guide in the exploration of microRNA in basic science, cancer and clinical practice.

Successful clinical use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) represents a significant advance in radiation oncology. Because IMRT can deliver high-dose radiation to a target with a reduced dose to the surrounding organs, it can improve the local control rate and reduce toxicities associated with radiation therapy. Since IMRT began being used in the mid-1990s, a large volume of clinical evidence of the advantages of IMRT has been collected. However, treatment planning and quality assurance (QA) of IMRT are complicated and difficult for the clinician and the medical physicist. This book, by authors renowned for their expertise in their fields, provides cumulative clinical evidence and appropriate techniques for IMRT for the clinician and the physicist. Part I deals with the foundations and techniques, history, principles, QA, treatment planning, radiobiology and related aspects of IMRT. Part II covers clinical applications with several case studies, describing contouring and dose distribution with clinical results along with descriptions of indications and a review of clinical evidence for each tumor site. The information presented in this book serves as a valuable resource for the practicing clinician and physicist.

This evidence-based guide to the current management of cancer cases at all head and neck sites will assist in the appropriate selection and delineation of tumor volumes/fields for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), including volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Each tumor site-related chapter presents, from the perspective of an academic expert, several actual cases at different stages in order to clarify specific clinical concepts. The coverage includes case presentation, a case-related literature review, patient preparation, simulation, contouring, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and follow-up. The text is accompanied by illustrations ranging from slice-by-slice delineations on planning CT images to finalized plan evaluations based on detailed acceptance criteria. The book will be of value for residents, fellows, practicing radiation oncologists, and medical physicists interested in clinical radiation oncology

Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) some twenty years ago by Victor Ambros, David Baulcombe and Gary Ruvkun, these three scientists worked to uncover the mystery of miRNA, the small segments of nucleotides that silence genes. While studying the development of the nematode worm, Ambros and Ruvkun discovered miRNA in animals, while Baulcombe discovered it in plants. Since their discovery, it took more than two decade to fully appreciate the value of miRNA in human health and diseases. Emerging evidence suggest that the activation of oncogenes and/or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes contribute to the development and progression of tumors. The regulation of genes is by far controlled by many transcription factors which are often deregulated during the development and progression of cancer. In addition, emerging evidence clearly suggests that the deregulation of miRNAs or small non-coding RNAs could also regulate the expression of genes and likewise, miRNA genes are also regulated by transcription factors. The most attractive feature of miRNAs is that one miRNA can regulate many target genes (mRNAs) and thus miRNA targeted therapy is highly promising because multiple genes could be regulated by targeting a single miRNA, which becomes very important for the killing of highly heterogeneous populations of cancer cells within a tumor mass. Therefore, miRNA targeted therapy is an attractive attribute of miRNA research, which is covered through eighteen chapters complied in this book “MicroRNA targeted Cancer therapy” and it is hoped that the field of miRNA research will be appreciated through critical reading of these chapters on the cutting-edge research on miRNAs.

Als dieses Buch zum ersten Mal erschien (als Band 2 der neugegründeten Grundlehren), lobte man einhellig die Anlage und den Stil des Bandes. Selten nur blieb ein Buch über sechs Jahrzehnte hinweg wegen seiner hervorragenden Didaktik und seiner anregenden Formulierungen so gefragt. In dieser neuen Auflage beschreibt Wolfgang Walter, der Knopp noch persönlich kannte, die Wirkungsgeschichte und Bedeutung von Knopps klassischer Einführung in die Theorie und Anwendung der unendlichen Reihen.

This is a single, comprehensive handbook for clinical oncology trainees and consultants, covering the basic aspects of stereotactic radiotherapy systems and treatment.

The field of microRNA biology is really emerging in the last couple of years. Several investigators highlighted the importance of miRNAs in cancer. Although there is so much literature on microRNAs exist, a comprehensive book is still not available. Thus this book will be a great use to the scientists in the field of cancer biology. In addition, this book will be a good source of information for undergraduate, graduate students who want to develop their research careers in cancer biology.

Shells and plates have been widely studied by engineers during the last fifty years. As a matter of fact an important number of papers have been based on analytical calculations. More recently numerical simulations have been extensively used. for instance for large displacement analysis. for shape optimization or even -in linear analysis -for composite material understanding. But all these works lie on a choice of a finite element scheme which contains usually three kinds of approximations: 1. a plate or shell mndel including smnll parameters associated to the thickness, 2. an approximntion of the geometry (the medium sUrface of a shell and its boundary), 3. afinite element scheme in order to solve the mndel chosen. VI Obviously the conclusions that we can draw are very much depending on the quality of the three previous choices. For instance composite laminated plates with damage like a delamination is still an open problem even if interesting papers have already been published and based on numerical simulation using existing fmite element and even plate models. • In our opinion the understanding of plate modelling is still an area of interest. Furthermore the links between the various models have to be handled with care. The certainly best understood model is the Kirchhoff-Love model which was completely justified by P. O. Ciarlet and Ph. Destuynder in linear analysis using asymptotic method. But the conclusion is not so clear as far as large displacements are to be taken into account.

This volume intends to contribute to “translational medicine and biology”. By this, we mean a bi-directional process whose aim is to develop knowledge from basic science towards diagnostic and therapeutic applications and reciprocally to raise new questions for basic scientists. One general requirement for translational research is to establish a multidisciplinary knowledge base shared by the actors of various specialties. This is precisely the aim of the 12 chapters of this book. It will be useful for scientists, including PhD students, who want to become more familiar with the main concepts of NPC pathology, medical imaging and current therapeutics. Conversely, medical doctors who want to update their knowledge of NPC biology will benefit from chapters on viral and cellular oncogenesis and various aspects of host-tumor interactions.

This book contains the proceedings of a meeting that brought together friends and colleagues of Guy Rideau at the Université Denis Diderot (Paris, France) in January 1995. It contains original results as well as review papers covering important domains of mathematical physics, such as modern statistical mechanics, field theory, and quantum groups. The emphasis is on geometrical approaches. Several papers are devoted to the study of symmetry groups, including applications to nonlinear differential equations, and deformation of structures, in particular deformation-quantization and quantum groups. The richness of the field of mathematical physics is demonstrated with topics ranging from pure mathematics to up-to-date applications such as imaging and neuronal models. Audience: Researchers in mathematical physics.

Cancer is one of the leading killers in the world and the incidence is increasing, but most cancer patients and cancer survivors suffer much from the disease and its conventional treatments'side effects. In the past, clinical data showed that some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) possessed anticancer abilities, but some clinicians and scientists have queried about the scientific validity of CAM due to the lack of scientific evidence. There is great demand in the knowledge gap to explore the scientific and evidence-based knowledge of CAM in the anticancer field. With this aim, a book series is needed to structurally deliver the knowledge to readers. There have been a number of publications on materia medica for various cancers in recent years, the scientific and medical community are thrust for up-to-date information that are supported by concrete laboratory evidences or clinical trials. This volume is a specialised book presenting the experimental and clinical evidences of anticancer materia medica for various cancers. This book consists of sixteen chapters, providing concise reviews and expert opinions on the recent progress of materia medica research in fourteen particular cancers from bench to bedside application. In addition, the book also includes a chapter with an overview of evidence-based materia medica for cancer chemoprevention, as well as a chapter discussing on the pharmacokinetics of anticancer materia medica. Gathering international opinion leaders'views, this volume will contribute great to the cancer, academic, and clinical community by providing evidence-based information on the anticancer effects of materia medica for various cancers. ReadershipOncologists, cancer researchers, pharmacologists, pharmaceutical specialists, Chinese medicine practitioners, medical educators, postgraduates and advanced undergraduates in biomedical disciplines, cancer caregivers, cancer patients.

The exploding field of epigenetics is challenging the dogma of traditional Mendelian inheritance. Epigenetics plays an important role in shaping who we are and contributes to our prospects of health and disease. While early epigenetic research focused on plant and animal models and in vitro experiments, population-based epidemiologic studies increasingly incorporate epigenetic components. The relevance of epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, genomic imprinting, and histone modification for disease causation has yet to be fully explored.This book covers the basic concepts of epigenetic epidemiology, discusses challenges in study design, analysis, and interpretation, epigenetic laboratory techniques, the influence of age and environmental factors on shaping the epigenome, the role of epigenetics in the developmental origins hypothesis, and provides the state of the art on the epigenetic epidemiology of various health conditions including childhood syndromes, cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric disorders, diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders, and atherosclerosis.With contributions from: Peter Jones, Jean-Pierre Issa, Gavin Kelsey, Robert Waterland, and many other experts in epigenetics!

In recent years, great advances in translational research have led to new paradigms in the treatment of cancers of the head and neck. Written by leading international physicians and investigators, this innovative multi-disciplinary book presents the most up-to-date research and clinical approaches. Coverage is given to progress in a variety of clinical settings, including programs of organ and function preservation, curative treatments, unresectable disease, adjuvant treatments in high-risk patients, and recurrent/metastatic disease. Complementary to the techniques of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments, the authors present data on epidemiology, molecular pathology, normal tissue complications, rehabilitation, palliative care, and treatment in the elderly. State-of-the-art functional imaging is elucidated; and the latest developments in high precision techniques in irradiation, sequencing of chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as the integration of biomolecular therapies into cytotoxic treatments are explored.

I tumori maligni della testa e collo insorgono in sedi di grande complessità anatomica e funzionale. Proprio per questo rappresentano una sfida per tutti coloro che se ne occupano. Stili di vita che non prevedano l'uso di tabacco e l'abuso di alcolici potranno limitarne l'incidenza così come la vaccinazione contro il papilloma virus responsabile dell'insorgenza di tumori nell'orofaringe. Il fine di ottenere una ottimale possibilità di guarigione con la massima conservazione delle funzioni specifiche dell'organo è stato raggiunto nei tumori in stadio limitato, mentre nei tumori localmente avanzati questo è un punto ancora da raggiungere. Novità nella diagnostica per immagini, la radioterapia, la chirurgia, i nuovi farmaci sono disponibili oggi per migliorare le possibilità di cura, ma è soprattutto la multidisciplinarietà nella decisione clinica, l'accuratezza della programmazione terapeutica, l'efficacia nel controllo delle cure che possono offrire al paziente una vita migliore.

Decision Making in Radiation Oncology is a reference book designed to enable radiation oncologists, including those in training, to make diagnostic and treatment decisions effectively and efficiently. The design is based on the belief that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Knowledge is conveyed through an illustrative approach using algorithms, schemas, graphics, and tables. Detailed guidelines are provided for multidisciplinary cancer management and radiation therapy techniques. In addition to the attention-riveting algorithms for diagnosis and treatment, strategies for the management of disease at individual stages are detailed for all the commonly diagnosed malignancies. Clinical trials that have yielded “gold standard” treatment and their results are documented in the schemas. Moreover, radiation techniques, including treatment planning and delivery, are presented in an illustrative way. This groundbreaking publication is an essential tool for physicians in their daily clinical practice.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous noncoding regulatory mRNAs of - nucleotides, have rapidly emerged as the central players in gene expression regulation. Owing to their ever-increasing implications in the control of various biological and pathological processes, miRNAs have now been considered novel biomarkers of various human diseases including, cancer, viral disease, cardiov- cular disorders, metabolic disturbances, etc. Particular expression pro?les have been associated with particular pathological states. Expression pro?ling of miR- NAs have therefore become extremely important not only for fundamentalists but also for clinicians. However, the methodologies used for detecting protein-coding mRNAs cannot be directly applied to miRNAs because of their small size. Over the past years, researchers have made great efforts to developing techniques suitable for miRNA detection and quanti?cation; a wide spectrum of creative and inno- tive techniques (more than 30 different methods) have been invented and validated. It has come to the time now to summarize these methods and present them in an orderly manner for better understanding and utilization of these methods to miRNA research and applications. In particular, the development of methods for quantifying circulating miRNAs opens up a fascinating opportunity for realizing miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of human disease. A book on this subject may help boosting up the passion of researchers to further improve the existing techniques and develop more new methods to?t to new application needs. These considerations prompted us and urged us to undertake the work: writing a book focusing on miRNA expression detection methods.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer - Multidisciplinary Management provides a comprehensive account of the current state of knowledge on nasopharyngeal cancer and its multidisciplinary management. The first ten chapters document contain essential background information on subjects such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, molecular biology, pathology, and the use of imaging in diagnosis and staging. Subsequently, the various treatment options and combinations in a range of settings are examined in depth. Detailed attention is given to the roles of concurrent, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and advanced radiotherapy techniques. Further chapters then explore surgical treatment, follow-up, treatment of metastatic disease, treatment-related complications, and nasopharyngeal cancer in children. This is an important book that will prove essential reading for the radiation oncology community worldwide and meet the need for substantial improvements in knowledge of modern techniques.

Why a book dedicated to rare cancer management? Given the large variety of rare cancers,they take up a significant part of our daily practice. Therefore, we owe it to our patients with rare tumours that we use the knowledge gained in the treatment of the more common cancers to provide them with a better future. This knowledge comes from recent developments in molecular diagnostics, systemic treatments with new drugs and targeted therapies together with advanced technologies in the areas of radiology and radiation therapy. Our authors have analysed the literature and recommend treatments for rare cancers based on results from past studies. We hope that this book will be an aid to those treating rare cancer cases about which, up to now, little has been published, and will reassure our patients that they have not been forgotten.

There are more than 100 types of cancers In Part II, head and neck cancer is d- affecting all parts of the human body. cussed. The global number of annual new More than 11 million people are diagnosed cases of this malignancy is ~500,000. These with cancer every year, and it is estimated malignancies include oral squamous cell that there will be 16 million new cases by carcinoma, salivary gland tumors, tons- the year 2020. In 2005, 7. 6 million peo- lar cancer, tongue cancer, nasopharyngeal ple died of cancer, that is, 13% of the 58 carcinoma, and retinoblastoma, which are million deaths worldwide. It is estimated detailed. In Part III, diagnosis, therapy, and that 9 million people will die from can- prognosis of thyroid carcinoma are d- cer worldwide in 2015 and 11. 4 million cussed. The global number of new cases of will die in 2030. More than 70% of all thyroid cancer is ~141,000, and the number cancer deaths occur in low and middle of worldwide thyroid mortalities is ~35,375. income countries. These statistics underlie The number of new cases of this cancer in the fact that cancer is the deadliest of all the United States is ~33,550. Molecular human diseases. The enormity of the glo- genetics of thyroid cancer, gene expr- bal healthcare costs as a result of cancer sion markers for diagnosis, papillary t- cannot be overemphasized.

Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Cancer Therapeutics covers a wide variety of therapeutic approaches including gene therapy, immunological therapy; cancer vaccines; strategy for solid tumors as well as for hematological cancers; methods to suppress tumor angiogenesis and metastasis; development and utilization of relevant animal models; introduction of new concepts such as cancer stem cells and new technologies, such as DNA and tissue microarrays; and RNA interference. In addition, clinical application, the development of DNA diagnosis biomarkers and cancer prevention, as well as the utilization of imaging in cancer therapy are also discussed. The use of synthetic carriers, such as lipids, polymers, and peptides for delivery and targeting of small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids to cancer cells in vivo are discussed. Pharmaceutical Perspectives of Cancer Therapeutics also includes cancer therapy modality in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, as well as in combination or multi-modality, giving our book a more focused view of cancer therapy.

The emphasis on cancer management in the past was based primarily on control rates from multidisciplinary input in management. There has always been a recognition that one would like to achieve the best result with the least complication, but never has there been any major emphasis on evidence-based outcome studies, nor on functional preservation and quality of life. The authors of this book have dealt very effectively with the various tumor types in head and neck cancer with the experts in the? eld of management. The contents range from epidemiology and treatment outcome, treatment techniques with the potential impact on the quality of life such as dysphagia, to the various options relative to high technology radiation therapy programs for mana- ment. The potential for improving form and function through surgical care as an integrated part of the program is dealt with very effectively as well as the potentials for chemotherapy and the use of targeted agents have on quality of life issues. The volume also addresses toxicity, quality of life, and techniques for prevention of adverse effects, as well as the potentials for rehabilitation and supportive care. The authors have clearly done an extraordinarily good job in addressing the mul- plicity of problems that impact upon the functional preservation and quality of life in head and neck radiation therapy. Philadelphia Luther W.

Although research on carcinogenesis has focused more on cellular proliferation than on cell death, yet understanding the mechanism of apoptosis may have important implications for cancer therapy. This book brings together experts from around the world who will discuss the common cancers encountered in clinical practice in the laboratory setting. During the induction of these common cancers, the role of apoptosis in cellular and molecular changes is emphasized, critically highlighting possible anti-cancer strategies. For those who are interested in carcinogenesis and for those who are seeking new approaches to anti-cancer therapy, this book is an important reference. It serves not only as a reference of the current understanding of apoptosis in common cancers but also an important bridge between the laboratory and clinical practice. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated in bringing together an important pool of up-to-date knowledge to light and further our interest in this exciting and expanding?eld. Arthur K. C. Li Emeritus Professor of Surgery The Chinese University of Hong Kong v Preface The role of apoptosis in cancer development and emerging treatment strategies has rapidly expanded over the past few years. The novel discovery in the apoptotic pa- ways and their relevant molecules provides us not only the knowledge how tumors develop but also the opportunity to design new therapeutic tools to prevent or inhibit the growth of tumors with minimal side-effects. Undoubtedly, understanding the events involved at a molecular level can permit the manipulation of apoptosis for therapeutic purposes.

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.

Over recent decades, combined modality treatment has drastically improved the cure rates for various malignant tumors. Further progress is expected through the design of sound combinations involving recently developed drugs. The first part of this book summarizes the rationale and the preclinical data for combined treatment with ionizing radiation and pharmaceutical agents. Individual chapters focus on different forms of combined treatment, with due consideration being given to a range of drugs and to emerging combinations with small molecules and antibodies. The second part of the book comprises a series of disease-specific chapters in which the clinical results of combined modality treatment are presented. The text, written by acknowledged experts, is specifically designed to be accessible to professionals from the various disciplines involved in multidisciplinary cancer care and to residents in radiation oncology training programs.