The Cancer Pharmacology Annual

This monograph is the first of two dealing with selected topics in the area of the design and development of new anticancer drugs. Its purpose is to present a collection of opinions from international experts in the field, with the aim of stimulating the further development of new drugs on a rational basis. The topic is treated in a lively way. The reviews focus on the very latest developments in key areas, concentrating on the exciting developments, controversies and future trends. They are not long histrical reviews, but nevertheless do provide the appropriate background and references. However, emphasis is on the state of the art. In this respect the approach is quite different from other books in the area. Readers, including particularly scientists and doctors interested in cancer drug, will find this useful as an up to date source of current opinion and debate. It will be suitable for experts in the field, but also accessible to research students for example. They should find it a valuable reference for the latest developments and particularly the controversial areas in the field. It is designed to promote and encourage further debate and to influence the research community. The particular topics covered are: DNA sequence and gene specific drugs - Antisense and antigene oligonucleotides targeted to oncogenes - Prospects of biological and gene therapies - Membrane and signal transduction targets - Design of novel anti-endocrine agents -Therapeutic monitoring and dose optimization in oncology - Screening for new anti-tumour drugs

This Annual series provides clinicians with a systematic yearly update of current information on the clinical and experimental pharmacology of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. Over the past few years, the Annual series has reflected the increasing contribution of biological response modifiers to the treatment and understanding of cancer. This, the eleventh annual, covers the latest advances in this area. In addition, the development of new cytokines is covered, and the new antiretroviral drugs being developed for the treatment of AIDS included. Supportive care is highlighted, with particular reference to the remarkable results emerging from testing the value of best supportive care compared to anti-cancer treatment in various tumortypes. Advances in anti-emetic treatment are also anticipated.