Current procedural terminology codes and instructions for use.

From its introduction, oncological chemotherapy has been encumbered by poor selectivity because antiproliferative drugs are often toxic not only to tumor cells but also to important populations of the body’s non-neoplastic cells. Modern targeted therapies interact with defined molecules present on cancer cells, adding increased selectivity to their toxic effects. This book presents an integrated critical view on the theories, mechanisms, problems and pitfalls of the targeted therapy approach.

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.

At the midpoint of the 20th century, our knowledge of cancer was based on epide- ology and pathology, and treatment consisted of surgery and radiation therapy. At mid-century, Medawar and colleagues initiated the understanding of transplantation immunology, Farber described the first use of an antifolic drug to treat leukemia, and Jacobson and coworkers described the irradiation-protection effect of spleen cells. These observations opened the door to the development of chemotherapy and tra- plantation in the treatment of cancer. Despite the rapid development of these new disciplines, progress was usually based on empiric observations and clinical trials. The rapid advances in molecular biology at the end of the 20th century mark a new era in our knowledge of cancer. Molecular immunology, molecular genetics, mole- lar pharmacology, and the Human Genome Project are in the process of providing a level of understanding of cancer undreamed of in the past. Optimism is based on the firm belief that understanding at the molecular level will lead to better and earlier di- nosis, to new forms of treatment, and, most importantly, eventually to prevention of many types of cancer.

Current procedural terminology codes and instruction for their use.

Expert physician-scientists and clinicians review those combinations of novel target agents classic chemotherapies that hold the most promise for the future of medical oncology, and detail their optimal sequence, pharmacokinetic interactions, and interaction with downstream cellular signals. The combinations run the gamut of targeted therapies against cell surface receptors (EGF-R and HER2), the cell cycle (the CDKs), signal transduction events (PKC and NF-kB), apoptosis (bcl-2), as well as focused therapies in ovarian cancer, hematologic diseases, and breast cancer. The authors emphasize novel translational approaches that are rapidly moving from the laboratory bench top to the patient's bedside for the future treatments in cancer therapy.

This topical volume provides an overview of clinically relevant data on anticancer agents. It is not only intended medical doctors working with cancer patients, and for medical researchers and students. The different classes of anticancer drugs are described by international authorities on the various topics. Apart from new targets for anticancer agents, attention is also focused on improving efficacy and tolerability of existing compounds.

This book represents a comprehensive description and evaluation of the most up-to-date approaches to cancer management. Each chapter, prepared by leading basic researchers and clinicians, provides an in depth description of a specific method for cancer management. The chemotherapy section of the book is updated to include the newest drugs as well as those currently in development. Organized by drug class, this section provides the latest information on most drugs, including their mechanisms of action, interactions with other agents, toxicities, side effects, and mechanisms of resistance. The biological therapy section of the book provides expanded coverage of the currently used cytokines, vaccines, and cell based therapies of cancer. Full consideration is also given to other modern treatment approaches, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis, and the transcatheter management of cancer. Current advances in hyperthermia in cancer treatment, hematologic and nutritional support, bone marrow transplantation, pain management and care of the terminally ill patients with cancer are also presented. In summary, this book provides a comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge on the most innovative, systematic and multidisciplinary approaches to the treatment of patients with cancer.

Effective care of the cancer patient increasingly involves systemic treatment, and as the range of available therapeutic agents continues to expand, the medical oncologist must be fully aware of the rationale for choosing specific drugs and combinations. Already acclaimed in previous editions as a key source of reference for all working in the field of Oncology, the third edition of this text has now been completely revised with important new chapters and illustrations throughout to keep it at the forefront of cancer medicine. Short Contents