Metronomic Chemotherapy

This book analyzes all aspects of metronomic chemotherapy, a new approach involving low-dose, long-term, and frequently administered therapy that has preclinical and clinical activity in various tumors. After an opening section on the pharmacological bases of metronomic chemotherapy, including its antiangiogenic effects and impact on immunity, preclinical studies on various classes of drug are discussed. Clinical applications of metronomic chemotherapy in a wide variety of tumors are then addressed in detail, with description of the results of all published studies. The clinical pharmacology of metronomic chemotherapy is also considered in depth, encompassing pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacoeconomics, and adverse drug reactions. The book closes by describing the role of this therapy in the veterinarian clinic.

This book provides the latest research and developments in the field of metronomic chemotherapy for breast cancer. It presents the principles and mechanisms of metronomic chemotherapy, preclinical and clinical studies, and the latest developments in drug delivery systems and nanoformulations. The clinical pharmacology of metronomic chemotherapy, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacoeconomics, and adverse drug reactions, are also examined. Key Features: Introduces metronomics therapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of breast cancer Explores the potential of metronomics in terms of personalized chemotherapy Present pharmacological bases of metronomic chemotherapy Covers the latest developments in drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, and nanoformulations Discusses antiangiogenic effects and the impact of metronomics on immunity This book is useful for students, researchers, oncologists, pharmacologists, and healthcare experts interested in understanding the clinical potential of metronomic chemotherapy in breast cancer.

This book reviews novel approaches developed to reverse tumor cell resistance to chemo/immuno/radio-therapy and the use of various sensitizing agents in combination with various cytotoxics. It also introduces several current approaches developed by established investigators that are aimed at overcoming resistance. This is the first volume to compile studies on tumor cell sensitization. It will prove useful for students, scientists, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies.

This volume represents a compendium of scientific findings and approaches to the study of angiogenesis in cancer. The second edition of Antiangiogenic Agents in Cancer Therapy is intended to give a current perspective on the state-of-the-art of angiogenensis and therapy directed at this process. Antiangiogenesis is a dynamic and evolving field in oncology. New therapeutic targets continue to emerge followed by the rapid development of new therapeutic agents to be investigated in clinical trials. Optimizing the therapeutic potential of antiangiogenic agents in combination with the other therapies in the armamentarium to fight cancer will be an on-going challenge.

Metronomic chemotherapy is now, finally, in clinical use. After 20 years of preclinical development and clinical trials, the emerging data will be of paramount importance in allowing us to assess the impact of metronomic chemotherapy on different tumor types. Indeed, it is likely that the next decade will see a major reassessment of the possible applications of metronomic chemotherapy, both alone and in combination with new therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapies, for the management of cancer. Moreover, the results of clinical trials will likely profoundly affect the direction of the laboratory efforts that are going on in parallel and aiming to improve the personalization of this therapeutic strategy. This Special Issue is our attempt to cover the past and present clinical results that have brought us to this pivotal moment and will form the basis of future clinical developments. Scientists and clinicians caring for cancer patients are well aware of the challenges in dealing with this particular therapeutic approach; one such challenge is obtaining improvements in patient survival without significant toxicity. This edition includes clinical research on chemotherapy and ongoing controversies related to metronomic chemotherapy.

Angiogenesis is attracting increased scientific and clinical interest. The identification of novel mediators and targeting molecules has led to significant progress in our understanding of tumor angiogenesis and tumor vessel targeting. Important advances in cancer treatment have already emerged, and in the future, blood vessel targeting will play a significant role within individualized therapeutic strategies. This volume provides a general overview of the latest developments in angiogenesis inhibition in cancer. All aspects from the bench to the bedside are considered, with detailed attention both to basic research and to its translation into clinical practice. Individual chapters are devoted to the roles of angiopoietins, HIF-1a, chemokines, PDGF and VEGF, and vascular integrins. The latest results of clinical trials are presented, and various advanced targeting strategies are discussed. This book will be invaluable to all who wish to learn of the most recent advances in this exciting field.

Top Investigators Explore the Complexities of Angiogenesis Cancer Research The targeting of tumor angiogenesis has evolved into one of the most widely pursued therapeutic strategies. However, as of yet, no antiangiogenic agent used as a monotherapy has demonstrated a survival benefit in a randomized Phase III trial. The combination of bevacizumab, the first FDA approved angiogenesis inhibitor, with cytotoxic regimens has led to survival benefits in cancer patients. This has raised important questions about the complexities inherent in the clinical application of angiogenesis inhibitors. Compiles the results of four decades of progress Integrating fundamental concepts with therapeutic strategies, Anti-Angiogenic Cancer Therapy promotes the idea that an understanding of the molecular and cellular regulation of angiogenesis leads to optimal therapeutic strategies and positive clinical results. It brings together contributions from leading researchers to provide the most authoritative and encyclopedic volume available on this subject. Examines the role of angiogenesis in cancer, including strategies to prolong the nonangiogenic dormant state of human tumors, molecular mechanisms and cellular regulation of angiogenesis in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, and the regulation of angiogenesis by the tumor microenvironment. Covers specific molecular targets for inhibiting angiogenesis in cancer therapy. Discusses clinical trial design and translational research approaches essential for identifying and developing effective angiogenesis inhibitors. Outlines current understanding of the molecular biology of each cancer type followed by discussions that examine strategies for targeting angiogenesis in specific cancers. This volume celebrates progress made in four decades, and more importantly, it provides a clear indication of the complex biology that needs further investigation to realize the possibilities envisioned for this beneficial therapeutic modality.

Anti-angiogenic Drugs as Chemosensitizers in Cancer Therapy, Volume 19 focuses on the use of anti-angiogenic drugs as sensitizers of tumor cells to the inhibitory activity of antitumor agents. Conventional and novel anti-neoplastic agents (cytotoxic molecules, hormones/antihormones, immunotherapies) are taken into consideration, along with advances made in combination therapies. The book encompasses examples of studies on the use of antiangiogenic compounds—molecules that inhibit the growth of vessels inside a tumor—together with antineoplastic drugs in order to sensitize the resistant tumor to their cytotoxic effects, thus reducing adverse side reactions and resistance and improving the therapeutic response of cancer patients. In addition, the book discusses clinical applications in various types of cancer, such as colorectal, lung, breast, renal, genitourinary, skin and brain and circulating tumors. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, clinicians and members of the biomedical field who wants to be up-to-date on the most recent and promising developments in the field. Provides the most updated reviews on anti-angiogenic drugs as chemosensitizers by leaders in the field Encompasses summarized tables and schematic diagrams in each chapter to give a clear overview on recent findings in a didactic manner Brings not only relevant information of current research but also new ideas and suggestions for further investigations to help advance the field