Anemia is a frequent complication of cancer and its treatment. A number of clinical studies shows that the impact of anemia is much greater than previously thought. Beyond clinical symptoms, anemia significantly impairs physical and metabolic functions as well as patients' activity, well-being and quality of life. Life expectancy is also affected. In this book, written by a group of outstanding international experts, the current knowledge on anemia in cancer and its treatment with rhEPO is presented. Future developments are also discussed. Based on a broad spectrum of topics, the book describes the scientific and clinical aspects of anemia in various fields of oncology and gives diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations on when and how to use rhEPO.

The book contains a series of about 40 articles reflecting the state-of-the-art of the topic "Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Erythropoietin". Results from both basic research and clinical studies are described in detail. The papers show that the possible therapeutic spectrum of erythropoietin could be expanded considerably when compared with the present situation.

This book describes and summarizes the radiation responses of both normal and neoplastic tissues with a focus on rational strategies for the modification of these responses. Emerging data from molecular oncology and radiobiology are reviewed in depth. The book covers not only general principles of radiation-induced reactions but also a large number of preclinical and clinical data that will guide the reader through this complex and dynamic field and will provide valuable information for the development of further research projects.

A comprehensive one-source guide to the most current information on red blood cell formation and the action of recombinant human erythropoietins. Topics covered include: erythropoiesis, recombinant protein discovery and production, and treatment of patients with anemia. The newest theories in erythropoiesis (receptors, signaling), manufacturing, new formulations, and clinical research are discussed. The text is ideal for researchers and clinical investigators in academia, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical research associates, clinical monitors, and physician investigators.

In this first authoritative overview on modern cancer chemotherapy 121 international specialists have contributed their experience and recent data for what is likely to become the gold standard in the field. The authors summarize knowledge gained over the past decade, from basic concepts to successful applications in the clinic, covering active and passive targeting strategies as well as tissue-specific approaches. All current and future targeted delivery systems are discussed, from ligand-based to antibody-based polymer-based systems, right up to micro- and nanoparticulate systems. A special section covers the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, such as siRNA, miRNA and antisense nucleotides. In each case, a description of the basic technique is followed by a discussion of the latest preclinical and clinical developments in the field. By virtue of its clear and didactic structure, rich illustrative material and summary chapters, this handbook and ready reference enables the efficient transfer of knowledge between different disciplines, from basic research to the clinician and vice versa. It is equally well suited for professionals, researchers and students in medical oncology and cancer biology, and is also excellent for teaching medical students the foundations of 21st century cancer chemotherapy.

The International Society of Oxygen Transport to Tissue (ISOTT) was founded in 1973 to provide a forum for bioengineers, basic scientists, physiologists, and physicians to discuss new data, original theories, new interpretations of old data, and new technologies for the measurement of oxygen. At each annual meeting all posters are presented orally along with plenary lectures, and all presentations are given in a general session attended by everyone. Each meeting has had a specific focus, ranging from neonatology to physical chemistry to cancer biology. The Society has helped to build many careers, through opportunities to meet leaders in the field, and through awards made to young physicians and scientists. The Society also, through cross fertilization of ideas and scientific comradery, has inspired many breakthroughs in clinical medicine that now benefit mankind. I find myself president of the society after having been a winner of the Melvin Knisely Award for young scientists, in 1991. The 2003 meeting emphasized the role of oxygen and oxygen measurement in tumor growth, metastasis, physiology, and treatment resistance. Additionally, however, completely novel approaches to measurement of tissue oxygen were presented (notably work by Dr. Takahashi) and molecular methods for estimating tissue oxygen were evaluated. Papers discussing other aspects of oxygen measurement and pathophysiology were presented including in vivo ESR spectroscopy (notably including Dr. Swartz and colleagues), exercise physiology, organ transplant outcome (discussed by Dr. Cicco, our 2004 president), circulatory physiology, and cerebral oxygenation (notably including Dr. Chance).

This book is the most up-to-date publication on fluorescence diagnostic (FDAP) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) methods used in dermatology. Both techniques are presently world wide introduced as standards for the delineation and the treatment of cutaneous precancerous stages and tumors, which show steadily increasing numbers due to e.g. more frequent sun exposure. Summarizing experiences on more than 5.000 treated patients, it offers a comprehensive information on every aspect of skin tumor detection and treatment. The main part of the book focuses on the clinical aspects giving detailed descriptions on skin tumor detection as well as photodynamic treatment of selected diseases (solar keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, psoriasis lesions, etc.). The clinically oriented chapters are supplemented by practical guidelines for PDT and FDAP. The included atlas is comprised of 270 high quality color figures allowing daily use as a handbook.

Aging is associated with morphologic and functional alterations of organ systems including the genitourinary tract. Aging of the bladder leads to urgency, frequency, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infections and incontinence both in aging men and women. These symptoms occur frequently, are very distressing and influence daily life of the aging person. Medication and incontinence devices are a tremendous financial burden on health care systems. This book reviews present knowledge of morphologic and functional alterations of the aging bladder both in men and women, adding new insights in order to optimize therapeutic options for treatment.

This long overdue title provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, state-of-the art review of approved biologic therapies, with coverage of mechanisms of action, Indications for therapy, immunogenicity and a detailed examination of adverse effects and safety of the many and diverse therapeutic agents presented in a total of 13 chapters. It is predicted that by 2016, biologics will make up half of the world's 20 top-selling drugs and by 2018, biologic medicine sales will account for almost half of the world's 100 biggest selling drugs. Recombinant proteins dominate the growing list of the more than 200 approved biotherapeutic agents with targeted antibodies, fusion proteins and receptors; cytokines; hormones; enzymes; proteins involved in blood-clotting, homeostasis and thrombosis; vaccines; botulinum neurotoxins; and, more recently, biosimilar preparations, comprising the majority of approved biologics. Written with clinicians, other health care professionals, and researchers in mind, Safety of Biologics Therapy examines, in a single volume, the full range of issues surrounding the safety of approved biologic therapies. A good understanding of the risks and safety issues of modern biologics therapy is increasingly being demanded of all those connected with their development, handling, prescribing, administration and subsequent patient management. In addition to being of great value to clinicians in all branches of medicine, and to nurses, pharmacists and researchers, this book will prove invaluable for students taking undergraduate and graduate courses in the above disciplines and in the biomedical sciences.

The extravasation of cytotoxic agents can result in severe local tissue damage and medical emergencies during tumour therapy. This revised compendium is intended to help clinicians assess any situation speedily and with certainty. The general section of the book includes topics such as predisposition, prevention, type of harm, general measures in handling extravasated drugs, specific antidotes, and documentation. In the 2nd edition, the scientific information contained in the general section and relating to the actual substances has been updated. The substance specific part of the book includes detailed instructions on handling more than 50 cytotoxic drugs, to initiate targeted measures. Templates for an extravasation set, overview tables, documentation sheets, and patient information, as we as a CD-ROM are included to support clinical practice. The book is the outcome of a consensus of an interdisciplinary working group that has collected and systematically reviewed all published literature on the topic.