Emerging Concepts in Neuro-Oncology


Book Description

Having been a fairly dormant specialty for many decades, in recent years there has been a remarkable increase in activity in Neuro-oncology from basic science through to the clinics. Reflecting this there have been considerable advancements in the understanding of the biology of CNS malignancies which have infirmed the development of many novel and successful therapies. This work aims to bring together the scattered literature on the new concepts in neuro-oncology for the benefit of those in the field. The book moves from concepts in the scientific basis of neuro-oncology, through to modelling techniques and finishing on the translation into clinical practice.




Neuro-Oncology: The Essentials


Book Description

The essential guide to managing tumors of the central nervous system Neuro-Oncology: The Essentials, Third Edition, is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental science and core clinical concepts behind the successful multidisciplinary management of patients with brain and spine tumors. Among the updates to this new edition are eight new chapter topics, including: Endoscopic Approaches, Pediatric Supratentorial Tumors, and Neuro-Oncology in the Developing World. The book begins with basic science, progresses to clinical applications, and includes a robust section on specific tumor types. Key Features: A major revision, with a 20% increase in content and over 35% increase in figures Editor's Notes at the end of each chapter briefly summarize a topic, provide a historical perspective on a topic, add a current reference, or highlight salient points Demonstrates the latest surgical navigation techniques, including stereotaxy and intraoperative MRI, used to access hard-to-reach tumors This new edition is an invaluable reference for all neurosurgeons, neurologists, and oncologists, as well as residents and fellows, and it will be a treasured volume in their medical libraries for years to come.




Brain Cancer


Book Description

Discusses brain cancer and its treatment.




Fast Facts: Glioblastoma


Book Description

Glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme) is a malignant intrinsic tumor thought to arise from populations of stem/progenitor cells in the brain. It is the most common aggressive intrinsic brain tumor in adults, with the potential to spread rapidly within the brain. Patients with glioblastoma face a poor prognosis, with median overall survival of approximately 15 months. However, our growing understanding of the molecular biology of gliomas means that this outlook may be improving. The identification of clinically relevant subgroups defined by specific genetic mutations is challenging the traditional delineation between low- and high-grade gliomas that has been based on histological appearance and imaging. Indeed, it is becoming clear that, as a molecular entity, a glioblastoma, which by traditional classification is a grade IV glioma, may present with a lower grade initially and then become more aggressive – an important addition to the established concept. The care of a patient with a glioblastoma requires a coordinated approach delivered by a multidisciplinary team, with the aim of maintaining quality of life for as long as possible. Here, we provide a concise overview of the diagnosis and management of glioblastoma, as well as discussion of our emerging understanding of the molecular drivers that are helping us to delineate different patient subgroups. These subgroups will, hopefully, allow more targeted treatments in the future. This resource will be of interest to all those involved in caring for patients with this aggressive brain tumor, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, palliative care specialists, specialist nurses and medical students. Contents: • Epidemiology, pathophysiology and classification • Clinical presentation • Diagnosis • Management • Treatment of associated conditions • Emerging research and treatment




Brain Tumor Imaging


Book Description

This book describes the basics, the challenges and the limitations of state of the art brain tumor imaging and examines in detail its impact on diagnosis and treatment monitoring. It opens with an introduction to the clinically relevant physical principles of brain imaging. Since MR methodology plays a crucial role in brain imaging, the fundamental aspects of MR spectroscopy, MR perfusion and diffusion-weighted MR methods are described, focusing on the specific demands of brain tumor imaging. The potential and the limits of new imaging methodology are carefully addressed and compared to conventional MR imaging. In the main part of the book, the most important imaging criteria for the differential diagnosis of solid and necrotic brain tumors are delineated and illustrated in examples. A closing section is devoted to the use of MR methods for the monitoring of brain tumor therapy. The book is intended for radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists and other scientists in the biomedical field with an interest in neuro-oncology.




Controversies in Neuro-oncology


Book Description

This volume brings together an interdisciplinary group of specialists to present and discuss the latest diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and current controversial issues in the management of primary and secondary brain tumors. In the first part, the latest technical developments in neuro-oncology are presented. These include the evaluation of positron-emission tomography for diagnosis, and neuronavigation and operative mapping for operation planning. Innovations in computer-assisted 3-D radiotherapy planning and in image fusioning of CT, MRT, SPECT and PET are also described. A large section of the book is devoted to the diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment of glioblastoma, one of the most frequently occurring brain tumors. In-depth coverage is given to pathological differential diagnosis, operative standards and the results of radiotherapy. A detailed presentation of the current chemotherapeutic strategies as well as their evaluation within an interdisciplinary therapy concept is also provided. A special chapter focuses on the role of radiotherapy and neurosurgery in the treatment of craniopharyngioma. The final section features discussions on the therapeutic options for brain metastases. Individual indications for both whole-brain irradiation and radiosurgery are given and compared with neurosurgical intervention. New experimental chemotherapies are considered, and finally, the palliative use of chemotherapy is examined. In summary, this book provides an excellent survey of the state of the art in neuro-oncology. It is therefore recommended reading for all clinical neuropathologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists.




Pediatric Neuro-oncology


Book Description

“The editors...have done an outstanding job of presenting...complex information in a lucid manner – this book is a must-read for the global community of aspiring students and neuro-oncology practitioners.” Amar Gajjar, MD in the Foreword This is a succinct introduction to pediatric neuro-oncology. It summarizes the key advances in molecular biology that have helped transform this rapidly evolving field and provides up-to-date coverage of major and emerging treatment modalities as well as supportive care. Separate chapters present each kind of pediatric brain cancer and its diagnosis and treatment. As more children survive brain cancer, the importance of quality of life issues and helping survivors to cope with the neuropsychological impact and long-term effects of current therapies has come into sharper focus; these topics are also addressed in the book, as are palliative care and pediatric neuro-oncology in countries with limited resources. The book is aimed at trainees and practitioners who seek an up-to-date text in pediatric neuro-oncology that is both comprehensive and concise.




Neuro-oncology


Book Description

Cancer imposes daunting effects on the nervous system Brain cancer is one of the most devastating diagnoses a physician can deliver. Cancer of the nervous system can take many different forms. Treatment is specific to the type of malignancy, its location in the nervous system and, increasingly, its molecular characteristics. The challenges manifest further when management choices need to be made, and multidisciplinary approaches are required. Additional complexities arise in children, where the developing neurological system requires more sensitive treatment. Neuro-oncology unmasks the complexities to provide a straightforward guide to cancers of the nervous system. Following a general approach to diagnosis and treatment, the clinical aspects of specific cancer types in adults and children are explained in practical terms. A final section considers the effect of system cancer on the nervous system and the side effects of treatment. Clinical in approach, practical in execution, Neuro-oncology will help you diagnose and manage your patients more effectively. Neurology in Practice Series Editors Robert A Gross , MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA Jonathan W Mink, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA The Neurology in Practice series provides clinical 'in the office' or 'at the bedside' guides to effective patient care for neurologists. The tone is practical, not academic, with authors offering guidance on what might be done and what should be avoided. The books are informed by evidence-based practice and feature: Algorithms and guidelines where they are appropriate 'Tips and Tricks' boxes – hints on improving outcomes 'Caution' warning boxes – hints on avoiding complications 'Science Revisited' – quick reminder of the basic science principles Summaries of key evidence and suggestions for further reading




Pediatric Neuro-oncology


Book Description

Of special interest are chapters on: New techniques for tumor detection and imaging, including gadolinium enhanced MRI, PET scans and MR spectroscopy Use of chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow rescue in treatment of brain tumors Use of cortical mapping in surgery Special tumor biology, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and new therapeutic modalities this book is a vital resource for all those involved in research or care of children with neoplasms of the central nervous system. Detection and management of neuropsychological sequelae This book is a timely update on progress in the understanding and clinical managem




An Introduction to Machine Learning


Book Description

Just like electricity, Machine Learning will revolutionize our life in many ways – some of which are not even conceivable today. This book provides a thorough conceptual understanding of Machine Learning techniques and algorithms. Many of the mathematical concepts are explained in an intuitive manner. The book starts with an overview of machine learning and the underlying Mathematical and Statistical concepts before moving onto machine learning topics. It gradually builds up the depth, covering many of the present day machine learning algorithms, ending in Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning algorithms. The book also covers some of the popular Machine Learning applications. The material in this book is agnostic to any specific programming language or hardware so that readers can try these concepts on whichever platforms they are already familiar with. Offers a comprehensive introduction to Machine Learning, while not assuming any prior knowledge of the topic; Provides a complete overview of available techniques and algorithms in conceptual terms, covering various application domains of machine learning; Not tied to any specific software language or hardware implementation.