Furthering Precision Medicine and Cancer Prevention Through Novel Insights in Molecular and Chemical Carcinogenesis


Book Description

The best way to reduce the overall cancer burden is to prevent cancer through a healthy lifestyle, pharmacological strategies, or decreased exposure to environmental carcinogens. Molecular chemical carcinogenesis, identification and evaluation of carcinogenicity hazards, and precision prevention drug discovery have highlighted key cellular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis that can inform prevention strategies on multiple levels. In this Research Topic, we propose to generate a collection of articles that discuss the main and newly-explored cellular, genetic, and epigenetic targets for cancer prevention, including the immune system. We aim to gain an in-depth understanding of cancer prevention from the molecular to the epidemiological consensus. In particular, these articles will focus on identified mechanisms in tumor initiation, promotion, and malignant transformation for precision prevention and environmental health.




How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease


Book Description

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.




Oxford Textbook of Oncology


Book Description

Written and edited by internationally recognised leaders in the field, the new edition of the Oxford Textbook of Oncology has been fully revised and updated, taking into consideration the advancements in each of the major therapeutic areas, and representing the multidisciplinary management of cancer. Structured in six sections, the book provides an accessible scientific basis to the key topics of oncology, examining how cancer cells grow and function, as well as discussing the aetiology of cancer, and the general principles governing modern approaches to oncology treatment. The book examines the challenges presented by the treatment of cancer on a larger scale within population groups, and the importance of recognising and supporting the needs of individual patients, both during and after treatment. A series of disease-oriented, case-based chapters, ranging from acute leukaemia to colon cancer, highlight the various approaches available for managing the cancer patient, including the translational application of cancer science in order to personalise treatment. The advice imparted in these cases has relevance worldwide, and reflects a modern approach to cancer care. The Oxford Textbook of Oncology provides a comprehensive account of the multiple aspects of best practice in the discipline, making it an indispensable resource for oncologists of all grades and subspecialty interests.







Physics of Cancer


Book Description

This revised second edition is improved linguistically with multiple increases of the number of figures and the inclusion of several novel chapters such as actin filaments during matrix invasion, microtubuli during migration and matrix invasion, nuclear deformability during migration and matrix invasion, and the active role of the tumor stroma in regulating cell invasion.




Carcinogens, Dna Damage And Cancer Risk: Mechanisms Of Chemical Carcinogenesis


Book Description

As chemical exposures and cancer rates increase worldwide, there is a need for students, researchers, public health professionals, and physicians to understand the mechanisms connecting exposure with human cancer risk. This new book is an essential reference, as well as introduction to the field of chemical carcinogenesis, with particular focus on DNA damage as a critical link between exposure and disease, and emphasis on biomarkers associated with cancer risk in humans. In addition to DNA damage, related topics covered include metabolism of selected chemical carcinogens, exposure-induced epigenetic changes, cancer-associated mutations and reduction of DNA damage and cancer risk by chemoprevention. The book is designed to be a comprehensive guide to basic principles, a teaching tool for academics, and a map for the development of protective mechanisms to reduce human cancer risk.




Cell Surface Proteases


Book Description

Cell Surface Proteases provides a comprehensive overview of these important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of a protein as it degrades to a simpler substance. In the 1990s, an explosion of new discoveries shed light on the role of cell surface proteases and extended it beyond degradation of extracellular matrix components to include its influence on growth factors, cell signaling, and other cellular events. This volume unites the scientific literature from across disciplines and teases out unified themes of interactions between cell surface proteases and interconnecting cell surface-related systems -- including integrins and other adhesion molecules. Scientists and students involved in developmental biology, cell biology and disease processes will find this an indispensable resource.* Provides an overview of the entire field of cell surface proteases in a single volume* Presents major issues and astonishing discoveries at the forefront of modern developmental biology and developmental medicine * A thematic volume in the longest-running forum for contemporary issues in developmental biology with over 30 years of coverage




Cancer Chemoprevention


Book Description

This volume offers a broad overview of topics related to cancer chemoprevention. It provides a review of topics ranging from basic research arenas to clinical trial design, implementation, and interpretation. It covers all key areas necessary for understanding the field of cancer chemoprevention for the interested reader, for individuals wishing to enter this area of investigation, and for individuals seeking guidance in particular areas of research, relating to agent identification, basic science investigations and clinical trials. The genesis of this book is based on the fact that cancer chemoprevention is a relatively new and rapidly evolving field spanning a wide array of disciplines, and forces researchers to address difficult and complex questions whose answers are not readily available. Cancer Chemoprevention provides a ready resource whose importance and intent lie in its ability to gather and solidify disparate data to explicitly outline areas of difficulty and to highlight future areas of important development. It provides broad outlines for current, ongoing and future directions in this area with various target organ sites, written by experts in their respective fields, whose primary research focuses upon that individual field.




Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Models


Book Description

Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Models: Promise, Potential and Practice offers guidance on how to conduct PDX modeling and trials, including how to know when these models are appropriate for use, and how the data should be interpreted through the selection of immunodeficient strains. In addition, proper methodologies suitable for growing different type of tumors, acquisition of pathology, genomic and other data about the tumor, potential pitfalls, and confounding background pathologies that occur in these models are also included, as is a discussion of the facilities and infrastructure required to operate a PDX laboratory. - Offers guidance on data interpretation and regulatory aspects - Provides useful techniques and strategies for working with PDX models - Includes practical tools and potential pitfalls for best practices - Compiles all knowledge of PDX models research in one resource - Presents the results of first ever global survey on standards of PDX development and usage in academia and industry




Molecular Epidemiology


Book Description

This book will serve as a primer for both laboratory and field scientists who are shaping the emerging field of molecular epidemiology. Molecular epidemiology utilizes the same paradigm as traditional epidemiology but uses biological markers to identify exposure, disease or susceptibility. Schulte and Perera present the epidemiologic methods pertinent to biological markers. The book is also designed to enumerate the considerations necessary for valid field research and provide a resource on the salient and subtle features of biological indicators.