Controversies In Oncology

Under the auspices of the 12th International Symposium on Special Aspects in Radiotherapy 2008 in Berlin, acknowledged experts presented their perspectives on small and non-small cell lung cancer, reflecting the latest standards and engaging in controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.In the first part of this volume, aspects of the diagnostic workup are highlighted from the histopathologist's point of view, followed by presentations concerning the value of PET-CT and whole-body MRI in the staging of lung cancer. The use and current methods in bronchoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, video-endoscopy and mediastinoscopy are discussed in detail. The second section presents surgical and radio-oncological treatment concepts for stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer including stereotactic radiotherapy. The third section outlines the curative options for stage III NSCLC: extended surgical approaches , definitive radiochemotherapy and current concepts in adjuvant therapies. Emphasis is also placed on altered fractionation schemes in radiotherapy. Section 4 is dedicated to palliative procedures and the last section gives an in-depth presentation of small cell lung cancer.This book provides an excellent overview of up-to-date standards and future strategies in lung cancer treatment. It will be of great value to surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonary specialists and other clinicians interested in this disease.

This book addresses key issues of controversy in radiation oncology for each disease site, with expert commentaries from leading authorities in the field. It identifies areas of confusion arising from discrepant data in the literature regarding certain clinical scenarios for different diseases and presents high-level evidence on each issue with a view to fostering best practice. Controversies in Radiation Oncology will serve as a very useful resource for busy radiation oncology physicians, practitioners, and trainees/residents/fellows seeking to utilize evidence in the literature to guide the management of radiation therapy patients.

This is a novel text that highlights the controversial areas in the management of gynecological cancers. None of the topics in this book have definitive answers; they represent the everyday decision-making facing gynecologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other health professionals treating women with these conditions. This book is not to be used as a traditional textbook; it is a text that specialists and trainees will use to help them weigh up the arguments that exist in a variety of areas in the treatment of gynecological cancers. Each chapter will have two or more authors, selected either for their opposing views or for their ability to provide an opposite view or opinion to the other. The content will be evidence-based, illustrating contrasting evidence and scientific opinion in the literature. Each chapter will close on a summary indicating the direction of research needed to address the issues being discussed.

This special edition of Frontiers in Oncology reviews the current efficacy and limitations of surgical and radiotherapeutic management of lung cancer and provides insight into how local management options may change in the future.

Over the past decade, major advances have occurred in the management of the many fields of cancer treatment encountered by the general surgeon. These developments have evolved from improved understanding of disease biology, high level clinical outcomes studies, as well as translational research with new available therapies. These advances have brought major changes to cancer care and have surfaced new dilemmas in clinical decision-making. Modern cancer management requires an understanding of the current status of a diverse array of oncologic diseases. Current Controversies in Cancer Care for the Surgeon provides a comprehensive update on the management of various cancers as interpreted by recognized experts in the field. In addition, each chapter will focus on current controversies and areas of advance. The text is designed to assist the practicing surgeon in achieving optimal management of encountered oncologic problems. Such an inclusive text will be invaluable resource for clinical surgeons, surgeons in training, students and researchers.

Capitalism is the only complex system known to us that can provide an efficient and innovative economy, but the financial crisis has brought out the pernicious side of capitalism and shown that it remains dependent on the state to rescue it from its own deficiencies.

Because of tremendous advancements in research, neurosurgical oncology has become increasingly complex, and it is imperative that physicians have scientific evidence to guide and defend their decision making as they strive to provide the best patient care. Controversies in Neuro-Oncology: Best Evidence Medicine for Brain Tumor Surgery, written by world-renowned experts, is a comprehensive guide that compiles, synthesizes, and summarizes the most relevant scientific literature available in neurosurgical oncology. It provides objective recommendations based on the data found in the literature, giving physicians the information they need to make fully informed treatment decisions. Key Features: An opening chapter, Introduction to Best Evidence Medicine, illustrates how the authors rate the viability of the data presented Authors discuss in detail commonly disputed topics specific to tumor type, such as the roles of surgery and gross total resection as well as radiosurgery options Expert recommendation boxes highlight "takeaways" for the reader Summary tables distill abundant scientific evidence and emphasize the main conclusions of published studies This book will be the go-to guide for all neurosurgeons, oncologists, and neurologists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with brain tumors.