Progress in Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy

by Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, David Khayat

Overview

This is the third volume of our series Progress in Anti-Cancer Chemo­ therapy. Following the strategy of the first two volumes, it covers selected aspects of progress in this fast moving field of Oncology, with contribu­ tions from some of the world's best known leaders in both basic and clin­ ical research. This year we focused on seven areas: Three prominent Clinical investigators reviewed conceptual advances in cancer research. Dr Buzdar presented a history and overview of the protection of human subjects who participate in clinical research, and the mechanisms developed to assure the ethical conduct of research on human beings. Frei reviewed an exciting and rapidly moving area of che­ motherapy of solid tumors, including a cogent discussion of the issues related to dose-intensification. Fisher summarized conceptual advances in our therapeutic approach to breast cancer and the paradigm shifts that lead us to our current management strategies. From this summary he pro­ jected breast cancer research into the future, a daunting task under any circumstance. Fundamental research in cancer biology has been responsible for our improved understanding of the development and progession of malignant disease. Such understanding will lead to improved diagnosis, therapy, and eventually, prevention. Isaacs reviews the area of hereditary breast cancer, a topic undergoing rapid transformation and with mUltiple impli­ cations in the daily practice of medicine. Fidler, an international expert in metastasis research reviews the potential utility of angiogenesis inhib­ itors in research and the therapeutic ramifications.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9782817809182
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	04/17/2013
Series:	Progress in Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy , #3
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	6 MB

Table of Contents

I Conceptual Adances in Cancer Research.- Protecting Human Subjects from Risk in the Performance of Clinical Research and the informed Consent Process.- Progress and Perspectives in the Chemotherapy.- A Personal Perspective About the Future of Breast Cancer Research and Treatmemt.- II Ethic and Fundamental Research in Cancer.- Hereditary Breast Cancer: an overview.- Clinical Apphcations of Angiogenesis inhibitors.- III Lung Cancer.- Current Management and New Leads in Small Cell Lung Cancer.- Progress in Lung Cancer Surgery.- New Drug Combinations in NSCLS: Progress in Cancer Therapy.- IV Urological Tumors.- Update in Testicular Cancer.- Screening for Prostate Cancer: the good, the bad and the ugly.- V Melanoma.- The Development of Cancer Vaccines for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma.- The Role of Interferon in the Adjuvant Treatmene of Cutaneous Melanoma.- VI Infectious Agents and Cancers.- Molecular Mechanisms of Hepatitis B and C Viruses related Liver Carcinogenesis.- Epstein-Barr Virus and Malignant Diseases.- Helicobacter Pylori and Malignant Diseases.- VII Advances in solid tumors.- High Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma: an Overview.- Advances in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer.

Editorial Reviews

Twenty papers present recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances in areas of hematologic malignancies and common human solid tumors, emphasizing research with immediate or very short-term clinical applications. Topics include virtual endoscopy in oncology; the advantages and disadvantages of tamoxifen; genetic therapy of solid tumors and hematopoietic neoplasms; new strategies in the management of breast cancer; new surgical approaches to soft tissue sarcoma; larynx preservation; treatment of gastric cancer in Japan; and multimodality approaches to treating brain tumors. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

Reviewer: Gershon Y. Locker, MD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: 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.
Purpose: 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.
Audience: 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.
Features: 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.
Assessment: 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 are more 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.

Doody's Review Service