Multimodal Concepts for Integration of Cytotoxic Drugs


Book Description

The first part of this book summarizes the rationale and the preclinical data for combined treatment with ionizing radiation and pharmaceutical agents. Individual chapters focus on forms of combined treatment, with due consideration being given to a range of drugs and to emerging combinations with small molecules and antibodies. The second part comprises a series of disease-specific chapters in which the clinical results of combined modality treatment are presented.




Chemotherapy Protocols and Infusion Sequence


Book Description

This book aims to address the infusion sequence of the main protocols used in the treatment of varied solid cancers. Since an inadequate infusion sequence can compromise the patient's treatment, this work will provide support to professionals working in the field of oncology in assessing each chemotherapy infusion sequence. The introductory chapters present the definition, indication, and the risks and benefits of polypharmacy in cancer therapy, and discuss the importance of drug combination in cancer treatment. Chapter 2 focuses on the challenges and also the toxicity of combination therapy in cancer, while chapter 3 highlights the parameters that must be evaluated before defining the infusion sequence, such as pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, drugs’ stability when diluted or reconstituted, toxicological profile of each drug, among others. The remaining chapters are divided by type of cancer. The content is focused on solid tumors, dividing the chapters according to breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, head and neck, lung, and neurological cancers. In each chapter the epidemiological profiles, pathophysiology, therapeutic modalities, and the main chemotherapy protocols are addressed, as well as efficacy studies and data on the infusion sequence of each mentioned protocol. This work will be a valuable resource to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, and may help to improve health service practices.




Principles of Molecular Diagnostics and Personalized Cancer Medicine


Book Description

The role of molecular genetics in the treatment of malignancy continues to grow at an astonishing rate. Today’s subspecialized multidisciplinary approach to oncology has incorporated advances in targeted molecular therapy, prognosis, risk assessment, and prevention—all based at least in part on molecular diagnostics and imaging. Inside this cutting-edge resource, readers will explore broad, comprehensive perspectives on the current trends in molecular diagnosis of cancer and personalized cancer medicine. Authoritative discussions share insights from noted experts in cancer research, clinical trials, molecular diagnostics, personalized therapy, bioinformatics, and federal regulations. From the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis to the most advanced molecular screening, staging, and treatment technologies, readers will discover clear and straightforward discussions directly relevant to patient diagnosis and care.




Contrast Media


Book Description

This revised edition of Contrast Media: Safety Issues and Guidelines, updates the successful first edition and contains new chapters. It provides an invaluable, unique and unparalleled source of information on the safety issues relating to contrast media.




Supportive Oncology E-Book


Book Description

Supportive Oncology, by Drs. Davis, Feyer, Ortner, and Zimmermann, is your practical guide to improving your patients‘ quality of life and overall outcomes by integrating palliative care principles into the scope of clinical oncologic practice at all points along their illness trajectories. A multidisciplinary editorial team, representing the dual perspectives of palliative medicine and oncology, offers expert guidance on how to effectively communicate diagnoses and prognoses with cancer patients and their families, set treatment goals, and manage symptoms through pharmacological therapies, as well as non-pharmacological therapies and counselling when appropriate. Integrate complementary palliative principles as early as possible after diagnosis with guidance from a multidisciplinary editorial team whose different perspectives and collaboration provide a well-balanced approach. Effectively communicate diagnoses and prognoses with cancer patients and their families, set treatment goals, and manage symptoms through pharmacological therapies, as well as non-pharmacological therapies and counseling when appropriate. Improve patients’ quality of life with the latest information on pain and symptom management including managing side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, rehabilitating and counselling long-term survivors, and managing tumor-related symptoms and other complications in the palliative care setting. Prescribe the most effective medications, manage toxicities, and deal with high symptom burdens.




Basic Clinical Radiobiology


Book Description

Basic Clinical Radiobiology is a concise but comprehensive textbook setting out the essentials of the science and clinical application of radiobiology for those seeking accreditation in radiation oncology, clinical radiation physics, and radiation technology. Fully revised and updated to keep abreast of current developments in radiation biology and radiation oncology, this fifth edition continues to present in an interesting way the biological basis of radiation therapy, discussing the basic principles and significant developments that underlie the latest attempts to improve the radiotherapeutic management of cancer. This new edition is highly illustrated with attractive 2-colour presentation and now includes new chapters on stem cells, tissue response and the convergence of radiotherapy, radiobiology, and physics. It will be invaluable for FRCR (clinical oncology) and equivalent candidates, SpRs (and equivalent) in radiation oncology, practicing radiation oncologists and radiotherapists, as well as radiobiologists and radiotherapy physicists.




Basic Clinical Radiobiology Fourth Edition


Book Description

This concise but comprehensive textbook sets out the essentials of the science and clinical application of radiobiology for those seeking accreditation in radiation oncology, clinical radiation physics and radiation technology. Fully revised and updated to keep abreast of current developments in radiation biology and radiation oncology, the fourth edition continues to present in an interesting way the biological basis of radiation therapy, discussing the basic principles and significant developments that underlie the latest attempts to improve the radiotherapeutic management of cancer. New topics for the fourth edition include chapters on the mechanisms of cell death, biological response modifiers, and biological image guided radiotherapy, with major revisions to sections on the molecular basis of the radiation response, tumour hypoxia and the dose-rate effect. A variety of new authors have contributed to this revision, who, together with the new Editorial team, have used their significant international teaching experience to ensure the content remains clear and comprehensive, and as valuable to the trainee as it is to the established radiation oncologist. With the fourth edition we will see the most radical change so far - as Professor Gordon Steel has retired as Editor and has been replaced by Bert van der Kogel, the current current course director for the above-mentioned course, plus Michael Joiner, who is the head of the Radiation Biology Program at the Wayne State University and is the Associate Editor of the International Journal of Radiation Biology.




Nasopharyngeal Cancer


Book Description

Nasopharyngeal Cancer - Multidisciplinary Management provides a comprehensive account of the current state of knowledge on nasopharyngeal cancer and its multidisciplinary management. The first ten chapters document contain essential background information on subjects such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, molecular biology, pathology, and the use of imaging in diagnosis and staging. Subsequently, the various treatment options and combinations in a range of settings are examined in depth. Detailed attention is given to the roles of concurrent, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy and advanced radiotherapy techniques. Further chapters then explore surgical treatment, follow-up, treatment of metastatic disease, treatment-related complications, and nasopharyngeal cancer in children. This is an important book that will prove essential reading for the radiation oncology community worldwide and meet the need for substantial improvements in knowledge of modern techniques.




Functional Preservation and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Radiotherapy


Book Description

The emphasis on cancer management in the past was based primarily on control rates from multidisciplinary input in management. There has always been a recognition that one would like to achieve the best result with the least complication, but never has there been any major emphasis on evidence-based outcome studies, nor on functional preservation and quality of life. The authors of this book have dealt very effectively with the various tumor types in head and neck cancer with the experts in the ? eld of management. The contents range from epidemiology and treatment outcome, treatment techniques with the potential impact on the quality of life such as dysphagia, to the various options relative to high technology radiation therapy programs for mana- ment. The potential for improving form and function through surgical care as an integrated part of the program is dealt with very effectively as well as the potentials for chemotherapy and the use of targeted agents have on quality of life issues. The volume also addresses toxicity, quality of life, and techniques for prevention of adverse effects, as well as the potentials for rehabilitation and supportive care. The authors have clearly done an extraordinarily good job in addressing the mul- plicity of problems that impact upon the functional preservation and quality of life in head and neck radiation therapy. Philadelphia Luther W.




Virtual Colonoscopy


Book Description

Rapid progress in the technique and practice of virtual colonoscopy as well as the conti- ing clinical high interest for this radiodiagnostic procedure made this second edition, only 3 years after the publication of the ? rst edition of this successful volume, necessary. This new edition includes the latest study results and technical developments of this exciting noninvasive diagnostic modality for the evaluation of the colon. The technical presentation and lay out of the text and of the many new illustrations are impeccable. The editors were again able to ensure the collaboration of many international leaders in the ? eld and the book offers a very comprehensive overview of all aspects and issues of CT colonography with a focus on how to perform practically this examination, which requires meticulous technique starting from rigorous preparation, then the conduct of the study itself, and ? nally the interpretation of the results. I am very much indebted to the editors and the collaborating authors for preparing this outstanding volume in a record short time period, which enabled them to include the latest technical advances in this rapidly evolving important radiological method. It is highly recommended to general and gastrointestinal radiologists as well as gast- eneterologists as a most welcome update of their knowledge and as a practical guide in their daily practice. I am convinced that this second edition will meet the same success with our readership as the ? rst one.