Metastatic Cancer Clinical And Biological Perspectives

Most cancer deaths are a result of metastasis. The spread of a primary tumor to colonize neighboring and distant organs is the relentless endgame that defines the neoplastic process. Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer are treated to prevent both the recurrence of the tumor at the site of origin and metastasis that would re-stage them as advanced stage IV cancer. Historically and still with some types of cancer, stage IV is perceived by patients as “terminal.” Fortunately, recent molecular therapies have extended the lives of patients with advanced cancer and reassuringly people living with metastatic disease increasingly visit our clinics. What is the path forward? Given that the consilience of science and medicine is a dynamic art from which therapies arise, it would be misguided to consider any single work adequate at capturing the horizon for research. So with humility we constructed this text as primer for scientists. It begins with a broad introduction to the clinical management of common cancers. This is intended to serve as a foundation for investigators to consider when developing basic science hypotheses. Unquestionably, medical and surgical care of cancer patients reveals biology and dictates how novel therapeutics will ultimately be evaluated in clinical trials. The second section of this text offers provocative and evolving insights that underscore the breadth of science involved in the elucidation of cancer metastasis biology. The text concludes with information that integrates scientific and clinical foundations to highlight translational research. This book serves as a framework for scientists to conceptualize clinical and translational knowledge on the complexity of disease that is metastatic cancer.

Introduction to Cancer Metastasis provides, in one place, an overview of organ-specific cancer metastasis and the most common sites of cancer metastasis. Through specific chapters on individual primary cancers, their metastasis, and chapters on common metastatic sites, this volume comprehensively informs readers about the broader knowledge base in cancer metastasis. The process of metastasis is particularly responsible for making cancer so lethal. This volume explores both metastasis from sites of origin and common metastatic sites, thus increasing understanding of both perspectives. Includes basic biology and translational approaches to organ-specific cancer sites Provides readers with information on emerging therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis Contains contributions from leading researchers around the globe

Here is a thorough survey of the biology and treatment of CNS metastasis, including natural history, risk factors, molecular biology, the blood-brain barrier, imaging, quality of life, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and the future of targeted therapies.

This book covers the molecular and cellular aspects of cancer metastasis, and discusses the clinical aspect of micro- and macro-metastases, which result in the death of the majority of patients with cancer. The current edition attempts to examine the current status of the basic scientific and clinical research in the area, and is a very useful reference for clinicians, oncologists, and biologists. It is intended for undergraduates as well as postgraduates in the area of medicine, oncology, and cancer biology.

Written by experts in the subject area, the book covers a broad range of topics in the metastasis of breast cancer, from genetics, biology to clinical management. Main topics include genetic control, biology, growth factors, cell adhesion, cell motility and invasion, natures of bone metastasis, sentinel node therapies, hormonal links, new biomarkers and detection of micrometastasis and diagnosis. This timely book also covers the current treatment options.

This work presents the most advanced discoveries from translational research laboratories directly involved in identifying molecules and signalling pathways that play an instrumental role in metastasis. In contrast to other works, conventionally focused on a single type of tumour, the various chapters in this book provide a broad perspective of the similarities and discrepancies among the dissemination of several solid malignancies. Through recurrent and overlapping references to molecular mechanisms and mediators, the readers will gain knowledge of the common ground in metastasis from a single source. Finally, an introductory chapter provides a clinical perspective of the problems presented by metastatic tumours for diagnosis and treatment. The work presented here is directed to researchers in tumour biology with a developing interest in metastatic dissemination as well as medical and graduate students seeking to expand and integrate the notions acquired in basic cancer biology and oncology courses.