Biology And Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

The theme of the current workshop was identified several years ago and was considered by the working group of the National Large Bowel Cancer Project to be an appropriate workshop topic. Although the subject was important then, it was not possible to conduct such a workshop at that time. In the interim, not only did the problems associated with colorectal metastasis still exist, but new insights on the biology and treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis emerged, making the workshop topic especially important and relevant. With input from an expert Planning Committee, a unique program was designed to provide an opportunity for information exchange between basic scientists and clinical investigators. The published proceedings reflect the organization of the workshop which consisted of five sections: Section I. The Biology of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis co-chaired by Drs. J. Isaiah Fidler and George Poste Controversies in the Management of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Section II.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and in many parts of the western world, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This book covers colon cancer metastasis from the most fundamental aspects to clinical practice. Major topics include physiopathology, genetic and epigenetic controls, cancer initiating cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, growth factors and signalling, cell adhesion, natures of liver metastasis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, inflammatory response, prognostic markers, sentinel node and staging, and finally diagnosis and treatment. Each chapter has been contributed by leaders in the field. A key feature is that it connects with a large readership including students, fundamentalists and clinicians. Another specific feature of the book is that the chapters are written in a didactic and illustrative fashion. These characteristics coupled with the choice of the topics and authors, makes this book a reference in the field. It represents an essential acquisition for medical libraries, clinicians as well as medical and graduate students.

The theme of the current workshop was identified several years ago and was considered by the working group of the National Large Bowel Cancer Project to be an appropriate workshop topic. Although the subject was important then, it was not possible to conduct such a workshop at that time. In the interim, not only did the problems associated with colorectal metastasis still exist, but new insights on the biology and treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis emerged, making the workshop topic especially important and relevant. With input from an expert Planning Committee, a unique program was designed to provide an opportunity for information exchange between basic scientists and clinical investigators. The published proceedings reflect the organization of the workshop which consisted of five sections: Section I. The Biology of Colorectal Cancer Metastasis co-chaired by Drs. J. Isaiah Fidler and George Poste Controversies in the Management of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Section II.

Colon Cancer Cells brings together fundamental research and clinically relevant issues in the cell biology of colon cancer. This book is composed of five parts encompassing 21 chapters that specifically describe the initiation and progression of colon cancer cells. After briefly dealing with the major issues in colorectal carcinoma, this book goes on presenting the in vitro and in vivo models of colon carcinogenesis. This topic is followed by a discussion on the history of the development and characterization of commonly used colon cancer cell lines. The following parts describe the biochemical and immunological features and hormones in the colon. These parts also consider the studies on human colon tumors xenografted into nude mice and the biology and treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis. Discussions on the application of human monoclonal antibodies to tumor detection; the expression of blood group-related carbohydrates by normal, premalignant, and malignant colonic tissues; and the correlation of antigen variability in colon carcinoma with certain diagnostic and prognostic parameters are also included in these parts. The concluding part examines various therapeutic strategies and their potential in improving patient management with advanced colon carcinoma. Researchers, clinicians, and students interested in the biology of colon cancer development and in gastrointestinal cell biology will find this book invaluable.

Liver metastases are a frequent and often fatal occurrence in cancer patients, particularly those with malignancies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While recent improvements in surgical techniques and a more aggressive approach to resection of liver metastases have improved long term survival for some patients, most patients with hepatic metastases still succumb to their disease. To improve these dismal statistics, a better understanding of the biology of liver metastasis, particularly the early stages that can be targeted for prevention, is essential. Once cancer cells enter the liver, several different scenarios may occur. The cancer cells may be immediately destroyed by local defence mechanisms, they may enter a state of dormancy as solitary cells and never produce a metastasis, initiate a short-lived process of proliferation that is aborted before a metastasis is established or actively proliferate to form macrometastases. The chapters in Part I of this book provide insight into the cellular/molecular mechanisms that determine which of these scenarios prevails. Written by experts researchers in the filed of metastasis, these chapters provide state-of-the art reviews on the cellular and molecular processes that impact the early stages of the metastatic process. The unique microenvironment of the liver, its various anatomical, cellular and molecular features and the impact they have on metastasis are highlighted. In addition, the role of inflammation (pre-existing and tumor-induced), host innate and adaptive immune responses, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and the unique molecular signatures of metastatic tumor cells are reviewed with an underscoring of the translational implications of the current state of knowledge. Against this background, the chapters in Part II of the book provide critical reviews on major aspects of the clinical management of hepatic metastases. These include imaging strategies, surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment approaches and the use of targeted biological therapeutics such as anti-angiogenic drugs as treatment modalities. By combining information on biological and clinical aspects of liver metastasis, this volume will serve as an excellent resource for scientists, clinicians, clinician/ scientists and trainees in the domains of oncology, surgical oncology, hepatobiliary physiology and radiology.

Metastasis is the primary cause of mortality associated with cancer, and tumor genomic heterogeneity is a likely source for the cells that support cancer progression, resistance to therapy, and disease relapse. This book connects cancer metastasis with genomic instability in a comprehensive manner. Section 1 outlines the fundamental mechanisms responsible for these cellular and tissue phenotypes. Section 2 discusses in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models used for the experimental study of these processes. Section 3 reviews emerging themes (ex., microenvironment, mechanotransduction, and immunomodulation), and Section 4 highlights new therapeutic approaches to overcome the unique challenges presented by the heterogeneous and metastatic tumor. This book is intended for undergraduates and postgraduates with an interest in the areas of medicine, oncology, and cancer biology as well as for the content expert searching for thorough reviews of current knowledge in these areas.

Liver Metastasis: Biology, Diagnosis and Treatment offers a comprehensive overview of liver metastasis by providing a collection of pivotal contributions from an international faculty. A wide range of topics are presented, with each contributor focusing on his own area of expertise to provide the latest techniques as well as valuable insights based on a wealth of experience. Epidemiological and biological aspects are discussed, diagnostic and staging problems are reported, and all treatment modalities are analysed including gene therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care. The standard approaches to diagnosis and therapy are examined whilst new and future trends are reported on and explored. Of interest to both specialists and postgraduates in the fields of oncology and gastroenterology this book will also be of interest to researchers in internal medicine.