Progress in Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy

by David Khayat, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi

Overview

This is the fourth volume of our series Progress in Anti-cancer Therapy. For the past four years we have taken the challenge to select each year, some of the most interesting topics on the wide field of oncology. As usual, this volume continues the tradition and covers five cancers (breast, prostate, bladder, lym­ phoma and ovarian), the role of HIV and HTLV in cancer, as well as some deve­ lopmental pharmacology and behavioral issues. This year, we have particularly focused our attention on one of the most common (although rarely addressed) cancer accounting for more than 315,00 newly diagnosed cases and 41,000 cancer-related deaths annually (Landis SH et al., 1999) : prostate cancer. Five chapters address some of the issues concerning this disease. The chapter by Schroder describes the hopes and pitfalls of early detection of prostate cancer. It reviews the literature on screening studies that have been performed both in the US and in Europe. These studies suggest that cancer mortality could be reduced by screening for prostate cancer, mostly through PSA testing. However, the effectiveness of early detection still needs to be definitely confir­ med and ongoing randomized studies are described, the results of which will probably help the medical community determine the worth of PSA-based scree­ ning for prostate cancer. On the same hand, the paper from von Eschenbach is reviewing the clinical problems that are related this disease.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9782287596926
Publisher:	Springer Paris
Publication date:	03/30/2000
Series:	Progress in Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy , #4
Edition description:	2000
Pages:	270
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.20(d)

Table of Contents

Lessons from Translational Research in Oncology.- Progress in Cancer Biology and Developmental Therapeutics.- Update in Clinical Management of Genitourinary malignancies.- Clinical Progress in Breast Cancer.- Psycho-sexual Issues in Oncology.

Editorial Reviews

This is a collection of review papers on selected topics in cancer treatment which endeavor to link recent advances in the oncologic basic sciences to clinical progress. The first of a series of yearly collection of essays, this book aims to ""present succinct high-level up-to-date information on the many specialties involved in the care of cancer patients."" The emphasis is on more timely publication of advances than might appear in a textbook. This is a very worthy goal, which is only partially accomplished. The book is geared to review topics for cancer scientists and clinicians outside of their area of expertise. It is organized into five parts covering cytotoxic therapy, immunology, radiotherapy, clinical management, and chemoprevention of malignancy. The level of writing is appropriate; a few chapters might also interest experts in the field. Many of the contibutors are recognized authorities on their subject. Most are from MD Anderson Cancer Center and Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, as are the two book editors. The illustrations, tables, and references complement and summarize the text. The few black-and-white photographs, however, are of poor quality. Most of the sections of the book are well organized, containing chapters covering related topics with duplication kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, at times this can be a problem; for example, the thorough discussion of irinotecan treatment of colorectal cancer appears in the camptothecin chapter and not in the colorectal one. The major weakness of this text is the choice of topics. Despite the book's title, other than the camptothecins, little that is cutting edge in cancer chemotherapy is covered. Several chapters aremore historical than current, others speculative or idiosyncratic. While many chapters admirably review their topics in a precise fashion (biochemotherapy of melanoma, adjuvant therapy of colorectal cancer), most are no more complete or timely than what appears in standard texts. Only the breast, upper aerodigestive cancer prevention, and camptothecin chapters are not likely candidates for duplication in textbooks. Nevertheless, this volume has a role, not as a reference, but as a vehicle to whet the curiosity of cancer experts in topics outside of their usual concerns.

Gershon Y. Locker

Surveys the latest findings in the field, in sections on cytotoxic therapy, immunology, radiotherapy, clinical management, and chemoprevention. Topics include prevention of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of anti-cancer drugs, genetic modification to enhance the antitumor response, radiochemotherapy in head and neck cancer, medical management of advanced colon cancer, and the possibility of chemoprevention of breast cancer with tamoxifen. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews