Advances in genetics are transforming estimates of an individual’s risk of developing cancer and approaches to prevention and management of cancer in those who may have increased susceptibility. Identifying and caring for patients with hereditary cancer syndromes and their family members present a complex clinical, scientific and social challenge. This textbook, by leading experts at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, highlights the current understanding of the genetics of hereditary cancers of the breast, ovary, colorectum, stomach, pancreas, kidney, skin, and endocrine organs. Practical guidelines for the use of genetic testing, cancer screening and surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and promising targeted therapeutic agents are discussed. In addition, ongoing research involving genome-wide screens to identify novel modest risk-associated genetic loci are explored, along with new approaches to the application of genetic markers in guiding therapeutic options.

This practical, user-friendly guidebook will allow the clinician to search under disease site for the hereditary cancer syndromes relevant for his/her patient's cancer. For example, a gynecologist oncologist whose patient has ovarian cancer can turn to the Ovary chapter and quickly read a summary of all of the hereditary cancer syndromes that include ovarian cancer. She can learn the questions she should be asking when expanding that patient's personal and family history, which genes are most relevant, whether to refer that patient on for genetic counseling and testing, and how to manage that patient long-term if the patient is mutation positive or negative. The same holds true for the practicing oncologist, surgeon, urologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, primary care physician, physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse and any other clinician seeing a patient who has had cancer. This guidebook also contains an overview article on genetic counseling and testing and several in depth articles on issues that are up and coming in the field of hereditary cancer.

This is the second edition of a widely used textbook that consolidates the basic concepts of the cancer gene theory and provides a framework for understanding the genetic basis of cancer. Particular attention is devoted to the origins of the mutations that cause cancer, and the application of evolutionary theory to explain how the cell clones that harbor cancer genes tend to expand. Focused on the altered genes and pathways that cause the growth of the most common tumors, Principles of Cancer Genetics is aimed at advanced undergraduates who have completed introductory coursework in genetics, biology and biochemistry, medical students and medical house staff. For students with a general interest in cancer, this book provides a highly accessible and readable overview. For more advanced students contemplating future study in the field of oncology and cancer research, this concise book will be useful as a primer.

The ultimate guide to caring for and communicating with patients suffering with hereditary cancer syndromes Providing the essential tools needed to understand clinical cancer genetics, Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach builds your mastery of differential diagnosis formulation, all the available genetic testing options at your disposal, interpreting results logically and accurately, and educating patients and their families about effective cancer prevention methods. This unparalleled resource walks you through the process of effectively and thoughtfully counseling patients—from pre-test counseling and relaying test results to navigating the legal implications of hereditary conditions and coping with the resulting psychological challenges. Cancer Genetics: A Clinical Approach is ideal for both specialized cancer genetics clinics or any healthcare professional seeking to improve their skills in identifying patients with possible hereditary cancer syndromes and recognizing which ones should be referred to a high-risk/clinical genetics specialty program.

Written by a world-recognized leader in this emerging field, Clinical Cancer Genetics provides an updated and expanded treatment of Kenneth Offit's seminal text on the clinical management associated with syndromes of cancer predisposition, with a thorough review of the relevant molecular genetics. This second edition features new coverage of pharmacogenetics, gene therapy trials, high throughput genotyping, and microarrays and includes a new focus on epigenetic events in carcinogenesis within background chapter on cancer genetics. Expanded coverage highlights more uncommon and rare cancer predisposition syndromes.

This popular textbook, now in its third edition, provides a theoretical framework for understanding why cancers arise, how they develop and how they can be treated. Particular attention is devoted to the origins of cancer and the application of evolutionary theory to explain how mutant cell populations tend to expand and spread. Focused on the genes and signaling pathways involved in the most common tumors, Principles of Cancer Genetics is a highly readable account that will be of interest to anyone who would like to attain a basic understanding of cancer biology. Students who have completed introductory coursework in genetics, biology and biochemistry, medical students and medical house staff will find this book to be a useful starting point toward mastery of this complex but fascinating topic. This updated edition delves into the critical interactions between growing tumors and the immune system, and introduces the concepts of T cell activation, immunoediting and immune evasion. Novel strategies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, including new roles for next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies, as well as established and emerging therapeutic modalities are now described in detail. For laypersons, students and researchers in other fields with a general interest in cancer, this book provides an accessible overview, enriched with many easy-to-understand illustrations. For advanced students considering future study in the field of oncology and cancer research, this concise book is a useful guide to the basic principles that underlie our understanding of cancer.

Get a quick, expert overview of the many key facets of pediatric cancer genetics with this concise, practical resource by Dr. Nathaniel H. Robin and Meagan Farmer, MS, CGC, MBA. Ideal for pediatric oncologists and all providers who care for children, this easy-to-read reference addresses the remarkable potential of genetic testing as well as the complexities of choosing the correct test, understanding the results, and counseling the family. - Features a wealth of information on pediatric cancer genetics, including the epidemiology and biology of cancer and the genetic evaluation process and role of genetic counsellors - Highlights examples of syndromes that present in childhood and increase susceptibility to cancer - Discusses the genetic evaluation process in context of the multidisciplinary care of children with cancer - Considers the ethical and legal issues of genetic testing in children and provides illustrative case examples - Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource - Features a wealth of information on pediatric cancer genetics, including the epidemiology and biology of cancer and the genetic evaluation process and role of genetic counselors. - Highlights examples of syndromes that present in childhood and increase susceptibility to cancer. - Discusses the genetic evaluation process in context of the multidisciplinary care of children with cancer. - Considers the ethical and legal issues of genetic testing in children and provides illustrative case examples. - Consolidates today's available information and guidance in this timely area into one convenient resource.

The 2006 third edition of this very successful book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the diagnosis and management of inherited disorders conferring susceptibility to cancer. Issues discussed include risk assessment, genetic counselling, predictive testing and organisation of a cancer genetics service. A full reference list gives access to background literature. With molecular information, screening guidelines and management advice, this new edition will provide geneticists and clinicians in all disciplines with an invaluable resource for screening, managing and advising patients.

Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills required for all aspects of managing cancer family history, including discussing the challenges raised, and provides practical guidance on setting up a cancer family history clinic in primary and secondary care.