Radiosensitizers And Radioprotective Drugs

This book addresses the most relevant aspects of radiation oncology in terms of technical integrity, dose parameters, machine and software specifications, as well as regulatory requirements. Radiation oncology is a unique field that combines physics and biology. As a result, it has not only a clinical aspect, but also a physics aspect and biology aspect, all three of which are inter-related and critical to optimal radiation treatment planning. In addition, radiation oncology involves a host of machines/software. One needs to have a firm command of these machines and their specifications to deliver comprehensive treatment. However, this information is not readily available, which poses serious challenges for students learning the planning aspect of radiation therapy. In response, this book compiles these relevant aspects in a single source. Radiation oncology is a dynamic field, and is continuously evolving. However, tracking down the latest findings is both difficult and time-consuming. Consequently, the book also comprehensively covers the most important trials. Offering an essential ready reference work, it represents a value asset for all radiation oncology practitioners, trainees and students.

The medicinal uses of Curcumin (also called turmeric) have been known and described for more than 5000 years. A large body of recent research suggests that curcumin is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, through modulation of numerous molecular targets. This is the first monograph to focus on the potential use of curcumin in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis and more.

Thoroughly revised and updated, the 2nd Edition presents all of the latest advances in the field, including the most recent technologies and techniques. For each tumor site discussed, readers will find unparalleled coverage of multiple treatment plans, histology and biology of the tumor, its anatomic location and routes of spread, and utilization of specialized techniques. This convenient source also reviews all of the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Comprehensively reviews each topic, with a distinct clinical orientation throughout. Serves as a foundation for the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Guides readers through all stages of treatment application with step-by-step techniques for the assessment and implementation of radiotherapeutic options. Presents latest information on brachytherapy * 3-dimensional conformal treatment planning * sterotactic radiosurgery * and radiolabeled antibodies. Discusses the recent use of radiotherapy in the treatment of primary lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the prostate and central nervous system. Includes the latest AJCC staging system guidelines. Offers the latest advances in techniques, allowing you to deliver doses precisely to areas affected by malignancy and spare healthy tissue. Presents new chapters on the hottest topics including Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy * Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy * Breathing Synchronized Radiotherapy * Plasma Cell Tumors: Multiple Myeloma and Solitary Plasmacytoma * Extracranial Stereotactic Radioablation * and [Imaging of the] Head and Neck * Thorax * Abdomen * and Pelvis.

Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs, Second Edition, provides an updated treatment from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design, focusing on the mechanism of action of antitumor drugs from the molecular level, and on the relationship between chemical structure and chemical and biochemical reactivity of antitumor agents. Antitumor chemotherapy is a very active field of research, and a huge amount of information on the topic is generated every year. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is gradually being supplemented by a new generation of drugs that recognize specific targets on the surface or inside cancer cells, and resistance to antitumor drugs continues to be investigated. While these therapies are in their infancy, they hold promise of more effective therapies with fewer side effects. Although many books are available that deal with clinical aspects of cancer chemotherapy, this book provides a sorely needed update from the point of view of medicinal chemistry and drug design. Presents information in a clear and concise way using a large number of figures Historical background provides insights on how the process of drug discovery in the anticancer field has evolved Extensive references to primary literature

For long, high dose ionizing radiation was considered as a net immune suppressing agent, as shown, among others, by the exquisite radiosensitivity of the lymphoid system to radiation-induced cell killing. However, recent advances in radiobiology and immunology have made this picture more complex. For example, the recognition that radiation-induced bystander effects, share common mediators with various immunological signalling processes, suggests that they are at least partly immune mediated. Another milestone was the finding, in the field of onco-immunology, that local tumor irradiation can modulate the immunogenicity of tumor cells and the anti-tumor immune responsiveness both locally, in the tumor microenvironment, and at systemic level. These observations paved the way for studies exploring optimal combinations of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in order to achieve a synergistic effect to eradicate tumors. However, not all interactions between radiation and the immune system are beneficial, as it was recognized that many of radiation-induced late side effects are also of immune and inflammatory nature. Currently perhaps the most studied field of research in radiation biology is focused around the biological effects of low doses, where many of the observed pathophysiological endpoints are due to mechanisms other than direct radiation-induced cell killing and are immune-related. Finally, it must not be forgotten that the interactions between the ionizing radiations and the immune system are bi-directional, and activation of the immune system also influences the outcome of radiation exposure. This Research Topic brings together 23 articles and aims to give an overview of the complex and very often contradictory nature of the interactions between ionizing radiation and the immune system. Due to its increasing penetrance in the population both through medical diagnostic or environmental sources or during cosmic travel low dose ionizing radiation exposure is becoming a major epidemiological concern world-wide. Several of the articles within the Research Topic specifically address potential long-term health consequences and the underlying mechanisms of low dose radiation exposure. A major intention of the Editors was also to draw the attention of the non-radiobiological scientific community on the fact that ionizing radiation is by far more than purely an immune suppressing agent.