Molecular Pathology Of Breast Cancer

This volume provides a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms involved in precancerous lesions and benign and malignant breast tumors. Given the complex molecular pathways in breast cancer biology, the book simplifies these complex mechanisms and highlights the practical issues important for daily practice. Sections are structured to review breast carcinogenesis and the role of familial predisposition and stem cells in initiation and progression of breast cancer. In-depth chapters present morphologic and molecular correlations in precancerous and malignant breast lesions, while outlining highly practical issues that are in practice today in breast pathology, such as evaluation of estrogen, progesterone receptors, and HER-2. Written by experts in the field, Precision Molecular Pathology of Breast Cancer is a valuable resource that covers the current practice of breast pathology and looks into the future with an emphasis on the molecular basis of breast cancer.

The complex landscape of breast cancer requires distinct strategies for the management of various molecular subtypes of this disease. Rapid advances in the field of molecular biology have been bewildering for those involved in its study and management. “Molecular Pathology of Breast Cancer” aims to close this knowledge gap by discussing comprehensively the evolution, biological basis and clinical applications with a focus on the “what, when, and how” of the most significant molecular markers known to date. These markers are evaluated in the context of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which is integral to the practice of precision medicine. The application of next generation sequencing (NGS) has provided new insights in the regulation of genomic and transcriptomic structure and function. Alterations in DNA such as mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been correlated with outcomes and provide for novel therapeutic approaches. These NGS analyses have also revealed the extensive contributions of epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications, non-coding RNA and alternative splicing. All of these changes together contribute to alterations in proteome. Newer assays that allow greater stability and analytical consistency are emerging. These alterations in tumor profiles can be also now detected by imaging techniques. The heterogeneity of both tumor and tumor microenvironment, an inevitable reality, is discussed in detail with particular focus on cancer stem cells and immune signaling. A chapter is dedicated to the emerging technology of “liquid biopsy”, which opens a novel approach for “continuous” monitoring of cancer that might be superior to conventional diagnostics, “Molecular Pathology of Breast Cancer” provides a quick and easy, not to mention essential, tour for clinicians, pathologists and scientists who are seeking to understand the integration of molecular biology into the diagnosis, prognosis and management of breast cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in most countries and its consequences result in huge economic, social and psychological burden. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer type and the leading cause of cancer death among females. In this book, we discussed gene expression and DNA abnormalities including methylation in breast cancer. A recent important topic, roles of miRNAs and their potential use in cancer therapy have been discussed in this cancer type as well. Bioinformatics is very important part of recent human genome developments and data mining and thus this topic has also been added for the readers. It is hoped that this book will contribute to development of novel diagnostic as well as therapeutic approaches, which lead to cure of breast cancer.

Molecular pathology is based on the emergence of new techniques that greatly enhance the diagnostic accuracy when facing with challenging differential diagnoses. In addition, new molecular techniques are entering the clinical arena for their value in predicting therapy response and tumor prognosis. This book provides a guide for the practicing pathologist and for both pathology residents and fellows during the daily sign-out of challenging cases. The book is organized by anatomical systems and provides a detailed description of molecular tests that may help in the diagnosis. Furthermore, a description of the current molecular tests required to identify patients for treatment is offered. The application of molecular pathology techniques to the clinical practice has already shown its usefulness and the number of such tests is growing exponentially as more molecular targets are discovered. Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics of Cancer will give practicing and training pathologists an up-to date resource to guide the correct management of pathology cases requiring molecular testing.

This volume packs today's most essential breast pathology into a compact, high-yield format. Its pragmatic, well-organized approach, abundant full-color illustrations, and at-a-glance boxes and tables make the information you need easy to access. Practical and affordable, this resource is ideal for study and review as well as everyday clinical practice.

This book integrates the disciplines of cancer pathology and epidemiology to provide a synergistic and complementary approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer. This book provides relevant information on the diagnostic, prognostic and predictive molecular pathology of cancer. Epidemiological studies, including descriptive epidemiology, risk factors and molecular mechanisms of disease inform on the etiology and progression of cancer. The text concentrates on major cancers that are currently prevalent and those for which substantial molecular, pathological and epidemiological data is available. Each section is designed to provide an overview of that cancer type in terms of basic biology, review the current epidemiological data surrounding that cancer type and provide information on common practices and challenges related to the molecular pathology of that cancer type. Several relevant techniques in molecular pathology, which facilitate diagnosis and treatment are also explored. Pathology and Epidemiology of Cancer provides a succinct and comprehensive overview of multiple cancer types to guide clinicians during patient care and to guide scientists for innovations in research. It represents an integral resource for pathologists, epidemiologists, medical students as well as translational, basic and clinical science researchers who are all working to progress the field of cancer in terms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.