Trends In Ovarian Cancer Research

Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the cells that constitute the ovaries, including surface epithelial cells, germ cells, and the sex cord-stromal cells. Cancer cells that metastasize from other organ sites to the ovary (most commonly breast or colon cancers) are not then considered ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer accounts for 4 percent of all cancers among women and ranks fifth as a cause of their deaths from cancer. The American Cancer Society statistics for ovarian cancer estimate that there will be 25,400 new cases and 14,300 deaths in 2003. The death rate for this disease has not changed much in the last 50 years. Unfortunately, almost 70 percent of women with the common epithelial ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced in stage -- i.e., has spread to the upper abdomen (stage III) or beyond (stage IV). The 5-year survival rate for these women is only 15 to 20 percent, whereas the 5-year survival rate for stage I disease patients approaches 90 percent and for stage II disease patients approaches 70 percent. Ovarian tumors are named according to the type of cells the tumor started from and whether the tumor is benign or cancerous. The three main types of ovarian tumors are: Epithelial Tumors, Germ Cell Tumors and Stromal Tumors. This new book brings together new and leading-edge research from around the world.

This book provides an overview of the latest developments in the concepts and management of ovarian cancer. The new data presented throughout opens the way to radically different therapeutic approaches. Surgery remains the core of ovarian cancer treatment, but its ultimate goal and the standard surgical procedure have evolved, giving rise to the question of how to label expert centers for debulking surgery. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is becoming more popular and is also a new field for testing novel drug combinations. Over recent years, ovarian cancer management has embraced molecular biology. It is now more correct to talk about cancers of the ovary rather than ovarian cancer, since it is not a unique disease but several entities with different molecular drivers. The significant advances in drugs targeting the microenvironment or the tumor cell DNA repair mechanisms are presented in detail together with exciting future perspectives. All these advances would not have been possible without collaborative groups such as the GINECO group in France and their integration in wider clinical research networks at the European (ENGOT) and international (GCIG) level.

A discussion of ovarian cancer and treatments for it.

In an era of promising advances in cancer research, there are considerable and even alarming gaps in the fundamental knowledge and understanding of ovarian cancer. Researchers now know that ovarian cancer is not a single disease-several distinct subtypes exist with different origins, risk factors, genetic mutations, biological behaviors, and prognoses. However, persistent questions have impeded progress toward improving the prevention, early detection, treatment, and management of ovarian cancers. Failure to significantly improve morbidity and mortality during the past several decades is likely due to several factors, including the lack of research being performed by specific disease subtype, lack of definitive knowledge of the cell of origin and disease progression, and incomplete understanding of genetic and non-genetic risk factors. Ovarian Cancers examines the state of the science in ovarian cancer research, identifies key gaps in the evidence base and the challenges to addressing those gaps, considers opportunities for advancing ovarian cancer research, and examines avenues for translation and dissemination of new findings and communication of new information to patients and others. This study makes recommendations for public- and private-sector efforts that could facilitate progress in reducing the incidence of morbidity and mortality from ovarian cancers.

Cancer is a group of different diseases (over 100) characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can arise in many sites and behave differently depending on its organ of origin. If a cancer spreads (metastasises), the new tumour bears the same name as the original (primary) tumour. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the battle against cancer and in understanding its underlying biological mechanisms. This research progress has resulted in many experimental treatments and cures which establish hope for wide-spread cures. This book brings together important research from around the world in this frontal field.

The field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment is constantly advancing. From novel biomarkers to cutting-edge imaging solutions, changing chemotherapy protocols and novel immune-targeting agents, medical teams develop and test new ways to manage this ever-growing threat to the modern age. Imaging has been a reliable method for initial diagnosis and later surveillance of premalignant and cancerous lesions of the digestive tract. This book project aims to characterize the main diagnostic procedures and novel medical and surgical treatments, as well as provide an updated view on current guidelines, premalignant lesions management, and minimally invasive curative techniques.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates