Selective Heat Sensitivity Of Cancer Cells

Since the first observations of Busch in 1866, the possible use of heat as a therapeutic agent in the cure of cancer has been repeatedly subject to bursts of interest, almost invariably followed by periods of neglect and skepticism. In 1963-1964, this problem was again attacked by us both from the biochemical and from the clinical points of view. The first results of this joint effort were positive beyond expectation, and generated a new revial of studies aimed at the identification of the nature of the bio chemical lesion as well as at the optimization of technique and of the therapeutic schedules connected with clinical use. Although the number of mammalian tumors which have been proved to be heat-sensitive is now relatively large, and although in some cases a correlation has been demonstrated between tumorigenicity and heat-sensitivity of in vitro cultured cell lines, the question of a direct and constant relationship between neoplastic character and higher sensitivity to hyperthermic exposure is still open to continuing investigation and reappraisal. Several studies deal in fact with the determination of the conditions under which, in vitro and or in vivo, different tumors are efficiently damaged by elevated temperatures.

Following an introductory overview, Hyperthermia In Cancer Treatment: A Primer comprehensively describes the biological reasons for associating hyperthermia with radiation and chemotherapy and the biological and clinical effects of hyperthermia on cancerous and normal tissues. The volume’s 20 chapters are arranged in three principal parts: physical and methodological studies, biologic principles, and clinical studies.

Neoplastic disease confined to the liver is an important worldwide problem. In the industrialized nations, metastatic disease of the most common cancers involves the liver in upwards of 50% of cases. Primary hepatic tumors are virtually epidemic in most third world countries and certainly constitute one of the ten most common causes of cancer deaths on a worldwide scale. Amazingly, little specific attention has been devoted to therapeutic approaches of liver and biliary tumors until recently. We attribute this apparent lack of interest to the uniformly poor progno sis of patients so afflicted, and attribute the renewed interest to the exciting new developments in diagnostic and therapeutic technology as well as in tumor biology. The purpose of this book is to collect in one volume an integrated selection of articles that would provide the therapist with a comprehensive, yet practical, overview of liver cancer. We believe the contributors to the book are superbly qualified experts on the various subjects and provide in-depth information on respective fields. The edit ing process for us was not only educational but thrilling as the high quality and complementary nature of the chapters became evident as we received them. Be cause many areas in the field of liver cancer are controversial, the reader will notice that contradictory opinions are presented by some of the authors.

Although soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors, representing only ± 1 % of all malignant tumors in adults, they remain a challenge to all disciplines in medical treatment and research. Apart from research in all fields of treatment, soft tissue sarcomas are also encountered in several forms of combined modality treatment. Since the appearance of the first volume on soft tissue sarcomas in this series (Soft Tissue Sarcomas, Laurence H. Baker, ed., Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1983), a large amount of data has emerged from preclinical as well as clinical in vestigations. The present volume provides an up-to-date review of the state of the art without duplicating the contents of the earlier volume. In the chapter on pathology it is again indicated that malignant fibrocytic hys tiocytoma is at present the most frequently diagnosed type of soft tissue sarcoma. Nevertheless, sub-typing is less important for the prognosis than grade. Recently, grading has been defined better, permitting a more common use of this prognostic factor. However, the experience of the pathologist is most important for adequate grading. The pathologist will need an adequate biopsy to perform his investiga tions. Cytology is not sufficient for diagnosis. However, for confirmation of metastatic lesions, cytology may provide enough information. Some new tools have been added to the equipment of the pathologist.

Heat shock proteins are emerging as important molecules in the development of cancer and as key targets in cancer therapy. These proteins enhance the growth of cancer cells and protect tumors from treatments such as drugs or surgery. However, new drugs have recently been developed particularly those targeting heat shock protein 90. As heat shock protein 90 functions to stabilize many of the oncogenes and growth promoting proteins in cancer cells, such drugs have broad specificity in many types of cancer cell and offer the possibility of evading the development of resistance through point mutation or use of compensatory pathways. Heat shock proteins have a further property that makes them tempting targets in cancer immunotherapy. These proteins have the ability to induce an inflammatory response when released in tumors and to carry tumor antigens to antigen presenting cells. They have thus become important components of anticancer vaccines. Overall, heat shock proteins are important new targets in molecular cancer therapy and can be approached in a number of contrasting approaches to therapy.

This book is an educational resource of evolving scientific knowledge in the area of bioelectromagnetics that may serve the interests of students and decision-makers, as well as society as a whole. It is distinguished by extensive descriptions of fundamental biophysical concepts and their relevance to human health. Reflecting the transdisciplinary approach from several different intellectual streams including physics, biology, epidemiology, medicine, environment, risk science, and engineering, the book is quite a venture into the battling studies to assess the latest research on health effects and biomedical applications of EM energy. This new edition of the book particularly looks at the potential threats from the emerging 5G wireless networks, which will deploy large numbers of low-powered smartphones, notebooks, tablets, radio access networks, and other transmitters. Features Introduces necessary biophysical principles of EM fields in the context of their interaction with living systems. Strengthens understanding of cutting-edge research on several major areas in the broad area of bioelectromagnetics. Presents safety standards and guidelines for human exposure to EM fields. Discusses techniques that have been developed to ensure adequate EM-thermal dosimetry required for both health effects and biomedical applications. Provides insight into the determinants of EM health risk assessment and public concerns. Includes extensive reference list at the end of each chapter to enhance further study. Riadh Habash is a special appointment professor and McLaughlin Research Chair in Electromagnetic Fields and Health at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the National Wighton Fellowship Award, and has authored or co-authored over 90 research articles, six books, and five book chapters. His most recent books are Green Engineering in 2017 and Professional Practice in 2019 (CRC Press), with the remaining previous books targeting the area of bioelectromagnetics.