Novel drugs are being developed which interact with the programmed cell death (apoptotic) machinery in cancer cells, thereby causing these cells to commit suicide and to be removed from the body. Research is also directed to investigate why the cancer cells sometimes lose the ability to undergo apoptosis after a certain period of time and methods are being developed to reactivate this cell death process. This book is intended for workers in the field and clinicians as a useful guide of the state of affairs in this exciting field which may offer more effective possibilities for treatment of cancer patients. Mels Sluyser is the Editor of the journals APOPTOSIS and ANTI-CANCER DRUGS. He brings together a collection of papers written by the world’s leading experts in these fields.

The past few years have witnessed an astonishing international effort that established the role of some 20 new molecules in apoptosis and added activation or suppression of apoptosis to the accepted biological functions of a great many others already familiar in cancer biology. Some of these molecules are receptors, transducing cytokine-mediated signals; others appear to intensify or diminish the risk that a compro mised cell will fire its apoptosis effector mechanism. All are of interest as potential targets for tumor therapy, and some may prove to be control points influenced in the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases as diverse as viral infection, neurodegenerative disorders, and stroke. Sometimes, in the midst of these developments, a kind of euphoria ap pears to have gripped the research community, with the expectation that apoptosis will afford explanations to many unsolved questions in cellu lar regulation. This book, in a series of thoughtful and provocative ar ticles--some from established leaders in the field, and others from younger scientists--seeks to redress the balance.

Although research on carcinogenesis has focused more on cellular proliferation than on cell death, yet understanding the mechanism of apoptosis may have important implications for cancer therapy. This book brings together experts from around the world who will discuss the common cancers encountered in clinical practice in the laboratory setting. During the induction of these common cancers, the role of apoptosis in cellular and molecular changes is emphasized, critically highlighting possible anti-cancer strategies. For those who are interested in carcinogenesis and for those who are seeking new approaches to anti-cancer therapy, this book is an important reference. It serves not only as a reference of the current understanding of apoptosis in common cancers but also an important bridge between the laboratory and clinical practice. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated in bringing together an important pool of up-to-date knowledge to light and further our interest in this exciting and expanding ?eld. Arthur K. C. Li Emeritus Professor of Surgery The Chinese University of Hong Kong v Preface The role of apoptosis in cancer development and emerging treatment strategies has rapidly expanded over the past few years. The novel discovery in the apoptotic pa- ways and their relevant molecules provides us not only the knowledge how tumors develop but also the opportunity to design new therapeutic tools to prevent or inhibit the growth of tumors with minimal side-effects. Undoubtedly, understanding the events involved at a molecular level can permit the manipulation of apoptosis for therapeutic purposes.

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays pivotal roles in tumor progression, cancer therapeutics and resistance of tumor cells to therapy. This book examines the mechanisms involved in mediating and regulating PCD in cancer. It also provides a detailed indication of the utility of PCD in cancer therapy. The book features chapters on the current and future of RNA interference in therapeutics and Pathways involved in Stem Cell Survival and Death.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

This book provides insight into established practices and research into apoptosis and senescence. The volume thoroughly examines novel and emerging techniques and research in the fields of cell death pathways, senescence growth arrest, drugs and resistance, DNA damage response, and other topics that still hold mysteries for researchers. In total, this volume provides basic scientists and clinicians with a deeper and more complete understanding of the cellular responses of malignancies which may determine the effectiveness of treatment, both in the initial stages of the disease as well as in disease recurrence.

It is now widely accepted that cells have the ability to initiate a program of gene-directed death, a process called "apoptosis" which may also be used as an innovative strategy for therapeutic intervention in cancer therapy. Experts in this area report on the regulation and control of apoptosis in hormone dependent (neoplastic) tissue and the possibility to exploit active cell death for therapeutic application.

As our understanding of apoptotic pathway expands, we are coming to realize the great potential of utilizing this pathway to treat diseases such as cancer. The book attempts to review, summarize, and speculate on the apoptotic pathways, how are they regulated and how targeted therapies are being used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Special emphasis is placed on cancer since new treatments either being developed or currently in the clinical setting are showing great promise to increase survival rates for cancer patients. Chapters will address the biology behind regulating the apoptotic pathways and what goes wrong in disease states whereas other chapters will concentrate on new therapies targeting apoptotic pathways. The reader by the end of the book should have greater insight into the understanding and utilization of apoptotic pathways to fight diseases such as cancer.