Unraveling the Complexities of Metastasis

Unraveling the Complexities of Metastasis: Transition from a Segmented View to a Conceptual Continuum provides a critical overview of the recent developments of metastasis research and how progress can be further enhanced in the field. Metastasis is a highly complicated mechanism and prognostic analysis of different metastatic patterns in advanced cancer patients is becoming increasingly problematic. It is therefore essential to take a step back and focus on the underlying mechanisms of metastasis before moving ahead for effective translation of laboratory findings to clinically effective therapeutics. This book is surely helpful in putting together missing pieces of an incomplete jig-saw puzzle of molecular cancer. The book discusses topics such as the role of TRAIL-mediated signaling, late metastasis and mechanisms underlying tumor cell dormancy, CTCs and exomes, non-coding way of metastasis, and stem cells. Additionally, it brings relevant and updated information on nanotechnology-based docetaxel and the peculiarities of cancer cell metabolism. This book is a valuable source for cancer researchers, medical doctors and several members of biomedical field who need to understand better the complex mechanism of metastasis. Explains the mechanism of metastasis from basic to advanced level through easy and comprehensive chapters written by internationally distinguished researchers Provides simplified version of important process of metastasis for the readers to comprehend the latest advancements made in the field Presents colorful diagrams to make different aspects of scientifically difficult topics easier for young researchers and new-comers in the field of cancer metastasis

Molecular and Cellular Basis of Metastasis: Road to Therapy, the latest in the Advances in Cancer Research series, 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, with this volume covering the molecular and cellular basis of metastasis. Presents groundbreaking information on the molecular and cellular basis of metastasis Provides information on cancer research Outstanding and original reviews Suitable for both researchers and students

Although ninety percent of fatal cancer cases involve the spread of a primary tumor, the formation of metastases is still a poorly understood, complex process and a significant problem in the treatment of cancer patients. In Metastasis Research Protocols, leading international investigators describe the key methods needed to investigate why and how metastasis occurs. Volume I of this two-volume set, Analysis of Cells and Tissues, presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for analyzing the expression of key molecules and for examining their production at the genetic level. The work focuses on the analysis and mapping of molecules produced by cells and tissues, and on the molecular biology underlying their expression. The traditional methods range from the histopathological and the immunocytochemical to SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and enzyme zymography. Newer and more specialized techniques for analyzing the genetic aspects of metastasis include in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs, FISH, CGH, methylation analysis of CpG islands, RT-PCR, and differential display. The second volume of this set, Analysis of Cell Behavior In Vitro and In Vivo, moves to the level of living cells and tissues to present methodologies applicable to examining metastatic behavior in vitro and in the whole animal. Comprehensive and authoritative, the two volumes of Metastasis Research Protocols constitute a gold-standard collection of readily reproducible methods for understanding the metastatic cascade-first at the cellular and molecular levels, then at the level of the whole organism-responsible for the spread of cancer and for developing novel strategies to combat its spread.

"Metastasis is the most dreaded aspect of the carcinogenic process. More than ninety percent of all cancer deaths are attributable to the consequences of the primary tumor successfully colonizing distant organs. Unlike the situation with colon cancer, a patient with breast cancer can never be considered cured, since as many as a third of breast cancer patients who have apparently curative surgery for their primary tumors ultimately relapse with metastatic disease, sometimes decades later. Much effort is now devoted to understanding this process of metastasis, and finding ways to predict and prevent its occurrence. This publication covers recent advances in the field, specifically as they relate to breast cancer. The availability of new tools and technological approaches has prompted a reconsideration of the very definition of a metastasis. Furthermore, a number of commonly held myths are being explored and a new definition of a metastasis, with important implications for clinical staging, is being proposed. Also, a novel conceptual framework for cancer progression based on the system-level dynamics of regulatory networks is presented and the role of chemokines in mediating some of the evolving transactional processes between tumor and stroma is being reviewed."

The epidemiological and clinical importance of bone metastasis has long been recognized, but the past decade has seen an explosion in the fields of bone biology and bone cancer research. This period of time has been marked by a number of key discoveries that have led to the opening up of entirely new areas for investigation as well as new therapies which combine surgery and biological therapeutic approaches. Bone is a common site of cancer metastases - cancer cells commonly develop in bone and spread to other organ systems through the bloodstream. For example, the incidence of bone metastases in breast and prostate cancers is 70%, whereas it is only 30 to 40% in metastatic lung cancer. In clinical terms, bone metastases have substantial negative effects on a patient's quality of life and are a main cause of patient mortality. Given the global prevalence of breast and prostate cancers, knowledge of bone biology has become essential for the medical and cancer research communities. This book provides, all in one resource, the most recent data on bone cancer development (cellular and molecular mechanisms), genomic and proteomic analyses, clinical analyses (histopathology, imaging, pain monitoring), as well as new therapeutic approaches and clinical trials for primary bone tumors and bone metastases. Feature Presents a comprehensive, translational source for all aspects of bone cancer in one reference work Bone cancer experts (from all areas of research and practice) take readers from the bench research (cellular and molecular mechanism), through genomic and proteomic analysis, all the way to clinical analysis (histopathology and imaging) and new therapeutic approaches. Clear presentation by bone biologists of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bone tumors and bone cancer metastasis as well as the genomic and proteomic assays used in detecting cancer within given organ systems Clear presentation by oncologists and radiologists of how histopathology, imaging, and pain monitoring can lead to new therapeutic approaches Benefit Saves researchers and clinicians time in quickly accessing the very latest details on a broad range of bone cancer issues, as opposed to searching through thousands of journal articles. Provides a common language for cancer researchers, bone biologists, oncologists, and radiologists to discuss bone tumors and how bone cancer metastases affects each major organ system Correct diagnosis (and therefore correct treatment) of cancer depends on a strong understanding of the molecular basis for the disease – both oncologists and radiologists will benefit Bone biologists will gain insight into how clinical observations and practices can feed back into the research cycle and will, therefore, be able to develop more targeted genomic and proteomic assays

"This book, in both its direct and indirect inferences, points to the need for disease-specific neurocognitive methods in broadly occurring CNS and non-CNS cancers... All in all, this is a beautifully conceptualized book that should be on the bookshelves of many specialists who work in the very challenging field of Oncology."--Carol L. Armstrong, PhD, Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology Interest in the neurocognitive and sensory impairments resulting from many cancers and their interventions has grown considerably over the past decades as an important aspect of quality of life issues for cancer patients and survivors. The Neuropsychology of Cancer and Oncology features current findings on the neuropsychological effects of these cancers and their treatments along with the most promising neuropsychological and behavioral health interventions available to mitigate these deficits. This edited volume, part of the Contemporary Neuropsychology series, bridges the gap between the knowledge of neuropsychologists, who are grounded in the biological and physiological bases of cognition and behavior but not in pathology, and that of oncologists, who often lack expertise in the neuropsychological aspects of cancer. This text first addresses the biological components and medical care of these cancers, and issues relating to bioimaging. It then discusses the neurological impact of these cancers as they affect different functions, such as memory, learning, and sensory-motor ability, as well as discusses the effects of childhood cancers on neurological development. State-of-the-art neuropsychological and behavioral health interventions are considered, including neuropsychological/cognitive rehabilitation and habituation, pharmacological interventions, and collaborative medical practices. This text is a unique and timely resource for clinical neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, neurologists, oncologists, oncology nurses, and neurorehabilitation professionals. Key Features: Bridges the gap of knowledge between neuropsychologists and oncologists Explores the most current research on the neuropsychological effects of various cancers and their treatments Provides state-of-the-art information on promising neuropsychological and behavioralñhealth interventions for impairments created by cancers and their treatments Represents a collaboration between some of the foremost scholars and practitioners in neuropsychology and oncology

The Handbook of Glycomics provides the first comprehensive overview of the emerging field of glycomics, defined as the study of all complex carbohydrates in an organism or cell ("the glycome"). Beginning with analytic approaches and bioinformatics, this work provides a detailed discussion of relevant databases, data integration, and analysis. It then moves on to a discussion of specific model organism and pathogen glycomes followed by therapeutic approaches to human disorders of glycosylization. Structure and function of glycomes are included along with state-of-the-art technologies and systems approaches to the analysis of glycans. Synthesizes contributions from experts in biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and medicine Highlights chapters devoted to chemical synthesis, cancer glycomics and immune cell glycomics Includes discussions of proteomics, mass spectrometry, NMR, array technology, and transcriptomics analytic approaches

Cellular Endocrinology in Health and Disease describes the underlying basis of endocrine function, providing an important tool to understand the fundamentals of endocrine diseases. Delivering a comprehensive review of the basic science of endocrinology, from cell biology to human disease, this work explores and dissects the function of a number of cellular systems. Among these are those whose function was not obvious until recently, including the endocrine functions of bone and the adipose tissue. Providing content that crosses disciplines, Cellular Endocrinology in Health and Disease details how cellular endocrine function contributes to system physiology and mediates endocrine disorders. A methods section proves novel and useful approaches across research focus that will be attractive to medical students, residents, and specialists in the field of endocrinology, as well as to those interested in cellular regulation. Editors Alfredo Ulloa-Aguirre and P. Michael Conn, experts in molecular and cellular aspects of endocrinology, deliver contributions carefully selected for relevance, impact, and clarity of expression from leading field experts. Covers systemic endocrine action at the cellular level in both health and disease Delivers information on the integration of cell identity and endocrinology Incorporates recent developments in endocrinology to provide an up-to-date reference to researchers

Providing fresh insights into the complex relationship between stress and mental health, internationally recognized contributors identifie emerging conceptual issues, highlight promising avenues for further study, and detail novel methodological techniques for addressing contemporary empirical problems. Specific coverage includes stressful life events, chronic strains, psychosocial resources and mediators, vulnerability to stress, and mental health outcomes-thus providing researchers with a tool to take stock of the past and future of this field.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that transmits signals in an organism. Signal transmission by a gas that is produced by one cell and which penetrates through membranes and regulates the function of another cell represents an entirely new principle for signaling in biological systems. NO is a signal molecule of key importance for the cardiovascular system acting as a regulator of blood pressure and as a gatekeeper of blood flow to different organs. NO also exerts a series of other functions, such as acting a signal molecule in the nervous system and as a weapon against infections. NO is present in most living creatures and made by many different types of cells. NO research has led to new treatments for treating heart as well as lung diseases, shock, and impotence. Scientists are currently testing whether NO can be used to stop the growth of cancerous tumors, since the gas can induce programmed cell death, apoptosis. This book is the first comprehensive text on nitric oxide to cover all aspects--basic biology, chemistry, pathobiology, effects on various disease states, and therapeutic implications. Edited by Nobel Laureate Louis J. Ignarro, editor of the Academic Press journal, Nitric Oxide Authored by world experts on nitric oxide Includes an overview of basic principles of biology and chemical biology Covers principles of pathobiology, including the nervous system, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and immune defense