Cancer Genetics A Clinical Approach

The ultimate guide to caring for and communicating with patients suffering with hereditary cancer syndromes Providing the essential tools needed to understand clinical cancer genetics, Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach builds your mastery of differential diagnosis formulation, all the available genetic testing options at your disposal, interpreting results logically and accurately, and educating patients and their families about effective cancer prevention methods. This unparalleled resource walks you through the process of effectively and thoughtfully counseling patients—from pre-test counseling and relaying test results to navigating the legal implications of hereditary conditions and coping with the resulting psychological challenges. Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach is ideal for both specialized cancer genetics clinics or any healthcare professional seeking to improve their skills in identifying patients with possible hereditary cancer syndromes and recognizing which ones should be referred to a high-risk/clinical genetics specialty program.

Advances in genetics are transforming estimates of an individual’s risk of developing cancer and approaches to prevention and management of cancer in those who may have increased susceptibility. Identifying and caring for patients with hereditary cancer syndromes and their family members present a complex clinical, scientific and social challenge. This textbook, by leading experts at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, highlights the current understanding of the genetics of hereditary cancers of the breast, ovary, colorectum, stomach, pancreas, kidney, skin, and endocrine organs. Practical guidelines for the use of genetic testing, cancer screening and surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and promising targeted therapeutic agents are discussed. In addition, ongoing research involving genome-wide screens to identify novel modest risk-associated genetic loci are explored, along with new approaches to the application of genetic markers in guiding therapeutic options.

FIRST PRIZE Winner in the Oncology category of the 2010 BMA Medical Book Competition. Intensive research over the last fifteen years has yielded a vast expansion in our understanding of the role of inheritance and genetics in a variety of cancers. Several inherited conditions have been identified which result in a high risk of various cancers; some of these were previously recognized, but the genetic basis underlying them has now been elucidated. This knowledge is now entering the sphere of routine clinical care. Surgeons, gastroenterologists, gynaecologists, oncologists, endocrinologists and many others need an awareness of these disorders, an understanding of genetic testing and when it is indicated, and how to manage patients with inherited cancer predisposition and their families. This book covers the basic concepts of cancer genetics. The common inherited cancer syndromes are each dealt with in greater depth, with the current management outlined. This book is aimed at all clinicians who may encounter these conditions in their practice. It aims to facilitate identification of high-risk individuals and families, to inform interaction with geneticists and other subspecialists, to provide a basis for patient management and to stimulate interest in these fascinating conditions.

Nurses are increasingly being asked to provide information when a genetic diagnosis is made, whether to the individual patient or to members of his or her family. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to present day genetic services, to help professionals feel more confident when dealing with queries or advising where to go for further information. Comprehensive case studies are used to explain the various models of inheritance and explore the possibilities for families, following genetic diagnosis. Family history-taking, risk assessment, basic biology of chromosomes and genes, and laboratory techniques are all described. Issues of ethnicity and ethics are addressed. The book also discusses the development of the role of the genetic nurse counselor.

This book aims to assemble the only available rigorous, yet broadly accessible introduction to this new and exciting field. Oncogenomics: Molecular Approaches to Cancer is approachable by basic scientists, practitioners, and other health professionals required to familiarize themselves with the tremendous impact of genomics and proteomics on cancer research. Clearly written chapters offer reviews of state of the art topics such as molecular classification, early detection, SNPs in cancer, data mining, tissue microarrays, protein and antibody arrays, and drug targets.

This title equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills required for all aspects of managing cancer family history, discussing the challenges raised and providing practical guidance on setting up a cancer family history clinic in primary and secondary care.

Popular for its highly visual, clinical approach, Medical Genetics delivers an accessible yet thorough understanding of this active and fast-changing field. Key updates in this new edition cover the latest developments which are integrated with clinical practice to emphasize the central principles and how they apply to practice. Photographs, illustrations, and tables, along with boxes containing patient/family vignettes demonstrate clinical relevance and enhance visual impact of the material for easier and more effective learning and retention. Mini-summaries, study questions, suggested reading, and a detailed glossary supplement and reinforce what you learn from the text. More than 230 photographs, illustrations, and tables, along with patient/family vignettes clarify difficult concepts and demonstrate clinical significance. Clinical Commentary Boxes help demonstrate how the hard science of genetics has real applications to everyday patient problems and prepare you for problem-based integrated courses. Self-assessment study questions aid in retention and review of key material. The latest knowledge and research on gene identification, cancer genetics, gene testing and gene therapy, common disorders, ethical and social issues, and much more so you can keep up with current developments in genetics.

Cancer Genomics for the Clinician is a practical guide to cancer genomics and its application to cancer diagnosis and care. The book begins with a brief overview of the various types of genetic alterations that are encountered in cancer, followed by accessible and applicable information on next generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics; tumor heterogeneity; whole genome, exome, and transcriptome sequencing; epigenomics; and data analysis and interpretation. Each chapter provides essential explanations of concepts, terminology, and methods. Also included are tips for interpreting and analyzing molecular data, as well as a discussion of molecular predictors for targeted therapies covering hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The final chapter explains the use of FDA-approved genomic-based targeted therapies for breast cancer, lung cancer, sarcomas, gastrointestinal cancers, urologic cancers, head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, and many more. Assembled in an accessible format specifically designed for the non-expert, this book provides the clinical oncologist, early career practitioner, and trainee with an essential understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer and the clinical aspects that have led to advancements in diagnosis and treatment. With this resource, physicians and trainees will increase their breadth of knowledge and be better equipped to educate patients and families who want to know more about their genetic predispositions to cancer and the targeted therapies that could be considered and prescribed. Key Features: Describes how cancer genomics and next generation sequencing informs cancer screening, risk factors, therapeutic options, and clinical management across cancer types Explains what mutations are, what tests are needed, and how to interpret the results Provides information on FDA-approved targeted therapies that are being used in the clinic Covers different sequencing platforms and technologies and how they perform in research settings Includes access to the fully searchable eBook