Human Brain And Spinal Cord Tumors From Bench To Bedside Volume 2

This book aims to gather the current knowledge regarding different aspects of brain and spinal cord tumors in order to more efficiently help the patients. Brain tumors comprise about 5–9% of all human neoplasms; and the central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are ranked among the most prevalent neoplasms of childhood as well. The more we know about the nature and characteristic of brain and spinal cord tumors, the more precise decision could be made for each patient, in order to reach the best outcome. While surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been considered as the standards of care for benign and/or malignant CNS tumors since a long time ago, new therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapy have been recently proposed to be considered for treatment of CNS tumors, especially as in some cases, the tumors might be inoperable or the patient may not benefit from other treatment modalities after several recurrences. The second volume of the book focuses on clinical aspects of these tumors. Accordingly, the most important brain and spinal cord tumors are specifically discussed in each chapter based on a rational outlining for all chapter in this volume: Background and epidemiology, genetics, immunology and molecular biology, histopathology and morphology, imaging and radiologic features, clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, surgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, new therapeutic modalities, follow-up, and prognosis. The chapters of this volume discuss the following pathologies of brain and spinal cord tumors: malignant glioma, benign glioma, meningiomas and other meningeal tumors, ependymomas, medulloblastomas, pineal tumors, choroid plexus and ventricular tumors, neuroectodermal tumors of CNS, neuroepithelial tumors of CNS, pituitary gland tumors, craniopharyngioma, schwannomas and nerve-sheet tumors, hemangioblastomas and other vascular originating tumors, brain and spinal tumors of embryonic origin, germ line cell tumors, malignant bone or cartilage-originating tumors of brain and spine, benign bone or cartilage-originating tumors of brain and spine, brain tumors affecting the orbit globe and orbit tumors affecting the brain, CNS lymphomas, metastatic lesions of the brain and spine, malignant spinal tumors, benign spinal tumors, brain and/or spinal cord tumors accompanied with other diseases or syndromes, psychological and psychiatric aspects of brain and spinal cord tumors, a brief explanation on surgical approaches for treatment of different brain tumors. This volume of book is useful for physicians of different specialties, mainly neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropathologists, and neuroradiologists.

Brain tumors comprise about 5-9% of all human neoplasms; and interestingly the central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are ranked among the most prevalent neoplasms of childhood as well. Besides to the morphologic and histopathologic characteristics, and as each pathologic states first starts with molecular alterations, each tumor may have its own story in the matter of activating tumorigenesis pathways and having specific molecular characteristics. Importantly, the molecular classification of tumors has been highly considered in the past few decades for taking the most appropriate therapeutic approach. On the other hand, the tumors shall have tumor-scape mechanisms preventing the immunologic system to eliminate its invasion. The failure of innate and acquired immune system to defeat tumorigenesis mechanisms would consequently result in tumor development. Interestingly, the neuro-immunologic mechanism plays a role in development of psychiatric manifestations of brain tumors as well. Taking all these to account, the different arms of innate immunity, acquired immunity, and genetics have been approached to defeat development and/or progression of such tumors. Accordingly, the activation immunotherapeutic approaches focus on activating or strengthening the anti-tumor immunologic pathways in order to assist the weakened immune system to defeat the tumor (such as Dendritic cell vaccination, DNA vaccines, peptide vaccines, viral vector-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapy). In addition to immunologic components of brain and spinal cord tumors, numerous genes and genetic pathways have been recognized to take part in tumorigenesis. Taking these non-immune genetic pathways to account, some other therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy have been developed in the new era of cancer treatment. Moreover, and besides the biologic and medical aspects of these tumors, different physical/mathematical models have been proposed to either explain or predict tumor behavior. Such models would be advantageous in developing new therapeutic modalities in pre-clinical stages and enter new eras in cancer treatment. The first book of Human Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors, Neuro-immunology and Neuro-genetics, will mainly discuss the neuro-immunology and neurogenetic pathways associated with development of brain and spinal cord tumor. After a short introduction chapter, this book will focus on the role of innate and acquired immunity on development of these tumors and then the immunotherapeutic approaches to defeat these tumorigenesis mechanisms. This book will then focus on genetic aspects of brain and spinal cord tumors and bioinformatics models to describe the behavioral patterns of these tumors, as well as associated therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy. This volume of book could be useful for experts in basic sciences, mainly geneticists and immunologists, and also physicians of different specialties, mainly neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropathologists and neuroradiologists.

Brain tumors comprise about 5–9% of all human neoplasms; and interestingly the central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are ranked among the most prevalent neoplasms of childhood as well. Besides to the morphologic and histopathologic characteristics, and as each pathologic states first starts with molecular alterations, each tumor may have its own story in the matter of activating tumorigenesis pathways and having specific molecular characteristics. Importantly, the molecular classification of tumors has been highly considered in the past few decades for taking the most appropriate therapeutic approach. On the other hand, the tumors shall have tumor-scape mechanisms preventing the immunologic system to eliminate its invasion. The failure of innate and acquired immune system to defeat tumorigenesis mechanisms would consequently result in tumor development. Interestingly, the neuro-immunologic mechanism plays a role in development of psychiatric manifestations of brain tumors as well. Taking all these to account, the different arms of innate immunity, acquired immunity, and genetics have been approached to defeat development and/or progression of such tumors. Accordingly, the activation immunotherapeutic approaches focus on activating or strengthening the anti-tumor immunologic pathways in order to assist the weakened immune system to defeat the tumor (such as Dendritic cell vaccination, DNA vaccines, peptide vaccines, viral vector-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapy). In addition to immunologic components of brain and spinal cord tumors, numerous genes and genetic pathways have been recognized to take part in tumorigenesis. Taking these non-immune genetic pathways to account, some other therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy have been developed in the new era of cancer treatment. Moreover, and besides the biologic and medical aspects of these tumors, different physical/mathematical models have been proposed to either explain or predict tumor behavior. Such models would be advantageous in developing new therapeutic modalities in pre-clinical stages and enter new eras in cancer treatment. The first book of Human Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors, Neuro-immunology and Neuro-genetics, will mainly discuss the neuro-immunology and neurogenetic pathways associated with development of brain and spinal cord tumor. After a short introduction chapter, this book will focus on the role of innate and acquired immunity on development of these tumors and then the immunotherapeutic approaches to defeat these tumorigenesis mechanisms. This book will then focus on genetic aspects of brain and spinal cord tumors and bioinformatics models to describe the behavioral patterns of these tumors, as well as associated therapeutic approaches such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy. This volume of book could be useful for experts in basic sciences, mainly geneticists and immunologists, and also physicians of different specialties, mainly neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropathologists and neuroradiologists.

Foundations of the Mind, Brain, and Behavioral Relationships: Understanding Physiological Psychology is an engaging introduction into neuroscience, and the portions of the nervous system, perception, and the clinical considerations in physiological psychology. "Clinical Applications" appear throughout the chapters and provide real-world examples of brain–behavior relationships, and how the nervous system interacts with other body systems to create a specific behavior. Creating an interactive experience for learners, this volume connects the study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology with clinically relevant topics, ranging from stress and eating disorders to substance abuse, major affective disorders, and schizophrenia. Integrating the foundations of neuroscience with disorders encountered in clinical practice serves as a foundation to better understand the clinical bases of these conditions. Coauthored by clinical neuropsychologists, this book is for those interested in learning about the underpinnings of the mind, brain, and human behaviors in normal and divergent functioning. Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology are interconnected with disorders and clinically relevant practice "Clinical Application" sections throughout the chapters provide real-world examples of brain–behavior relationships Discussion of how the nervous system interacts with behaviors, consciousness, movements, and the five senses Chapters on cognitive disorders and clinical considerations of physiological psychology cover a variety of neurological disorders

This book is written for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in learning how the knowledge from research can be implemented in clinical competences. The first section is dedicated to deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure which is the paramount example of how clinical practice can take advantage from fundamental research. The second section gathers four chapters on four different topics and illustrates how significant is the challenge to translate scientific advances into clinical practice because the route from evidence to action is not always obvious. It is hoped that this book will stimulate the interest in the process of translating research into practice for a broader range of neurosurgical topics than the one covered by this book, which could result in a forthcoming more comprehensive publication.

The Molecular Biology of Cancer, Stella Pelengaris & Michael Khan This capturing, comprehensive text, extensively revised and updated for its second edition, provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. “Bench to Bedside”: A key strength of this book that sets it apart from general cancer biology references is the interweaving of all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment and care of cancer patients – essential for providing a broader view of cancer and its impact. The highly readable presentation of a complex field, written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners, would provide an excellent text for graduate and undergraduate courses in the biology of cancer, medical students and qualified practitioners in the field preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field. For the teaching of cancer biology, special features have been included to facilitate this use: bullet points at the beginning of each chapter explaining key concepts and controversial areas; each chapter builds on concepts learned in previous chapters, with a list of key outstanding questions remaining in the field, suggestions for further reading, and questions for student review. All chapters contain text boxes that provide additional and relevant information. Key highlights are listed below: An overview of the cancer cell and important new concepts. Selected human cancers: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, renal, skin, cervix, and hematological malignancies. Key cellular processes in cancer biology including (a) traditionally important areas such as cell cycle control, growth regulation, oncogenes and tumour suppressors apoptosis, as well as (b) more highly topical areas of apoptosis, telomeres, DNA damage and repair, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, immunity, epigenetics, and the proteasome. Clinical oncology: In-depth coverage of important concepts such as screening, risk of cancer and prevention, diagnoses, managing cancer patients from start to palliative care and end-of-life pathways. Chapters highlighting the direct links between cancer research and clinical applications. New coverage on how cancer drugs are actually used in specific cancer patients, and how therapies are developed and tested. Systems Biology and cutting edge research areas covered such as RNA interference (RNAi). Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review. Quotations have been used in each chapter to introduce basic concepts in an entertaining way. Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris We should list the great reviews we got for first edition which are on the back of the 2nd edition: “A capturing, comprehensive, clearly written and absolutely accurate introduction into cancer biology.....This book deserves great praise for the readable presentation of this complex field....the true synthesis of bench and bedside approaches is marvelously achieved.” Christian Schmidt, Molecular Cell “Chapters address the issues of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient care and set the book apart from general molecular biology references....This book is applicable to both graduate and undergraduate students, and in the context of a research laboratory, this book would be an excellent resource as a reference guide for scientists at all levels.” V.Emuss, Institute of Cancer Research, London. Also, from the first edition: “Pelengaris, Khan, and the contributing authors are to be applauded. The Molecular Biology of Cancer is a comprehensive and readable presentation of the many faces of cancer from molecular mechanisms to clinical therapies and diagnostics. This book will be welcomed by neophyte students, established scientists in other fields, and curious physicians.” -Dean Felsher, Stanford University

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an important innovative treatment for various primary and metastatic cancers. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the physical/technological, biological, and clinical aspects of SBRT. It will serve as a detailed resource for this rapidly developing treatment modality. The organ sites covered include lung, liver, spine, pancreas, prostate, adrenal, head and neck, and female reproductive tract. Retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials on SBRT for various organ sites from around the world are examined, and toxicities and normal tissue constraints are discussed. This book features unique insights from world-renowned experts in SBRT from North America, Asia, and Europe. It will be necessary reading for radiation oncologists, radiation oncology residents and fellows, medical physicists, medical physics residents, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and cancer scientists.