Gliomas are neoplasms originating in glial cells, the most malignant and frequent primary tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), representing approximately 40-50% of all intracranial tumors. Following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, gliomas are classified into grades I-IV, regarding their malignancy degree. The latest report from WHO on CNS tumors considers that glioblastoma (GB), a grade IV adult-type diffuse glioma comprising isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype tumors. Despite all efforts to improve patient survival and quality of life, the median survival remains lower due to the lack of effective diagnostic tools, poor prognosis, and limited therapeutic options. Regarding this, the design of novel treatment strategies is of the utmost importance. This can be by either the discovery of new medicines (for example synthetic compounds), repurposing known drugs or exploring novel strategies of drug delivery by nanotechnological platforms to improve treatment response and long-term survival of patients. Inter and intra-tumor heterogeneity mainly contribute to the poor prognosis and treatment efficacy. Therefore, exploiting tumor microenvironment (TME) and understanding GB’s cellular and molecular aspects are fundamental to developing more effective and better-tolerated personalized therapies. Thus, addressing physiological mechanisms involved in cancer development, progression and recurrence is crucial. Concerning this, our goal with this research topic is to share the latest advances in tumor-specific therapies for gliomas, especially GB, as well as to provide experimental validation of new bioactive molecules and their antitumor mechanism of action. Authors are invited to submit original research, review articles and systematic reviews covering, but not restricted to, the following topics: 1) Novel targeted therapies; 2) Mechanism of action and affected signaling pathways; 3) Repurposing drugs; 5) New chemical entities; 6) Pharmaceutical nanotechnology; 7) Drug delivery systems; 8) Preclinical and clinical studies of therapeutic molecules; 9) Potential molecular biomarkers to targeted therapies using proteomics or transcriptomics.

Nanotechnology-Based Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Brain Tumors addresses brain anatomy and tumors and the progress and challenges in delivering drugs across the blood brain barrier. Several chapters are devoted to the latest technologies and advances in nanotechnology, along with practical solutions on how to design more effective nanocarriers for drug and gene delivery. This valuable resource prepares readers to develop novel drug delivery systems for the treatment of brain tumors that further promote the latest nanomedical technologies. - Addresses the progress and challenges inherent in delivering drugs across the blood brain barrier and offers strategies to maximize effectiveness - Draws upon the experience and expertise of international scientists working in the fields of drug delivery and nanomedicine - Considers the future possibilities of nanotechnology for delivering nanocarriers that better diagnose and treat brain tumors

The book considers both the theory and practice of clinical pharmacology where it is relevant to cancer treatment. It covers the basics of clinical pharmacology in oncology and cancer therapeutics, discussing the specific classes of anti-cancer agents in detail. Edited and written by a mix of generalist cancer clinical pharmacologists and sub-specialists within this area, the book allows the reader to develop both general clinical pharmacology skills and specialist knowledge for particular cancer chemotherapy agents.

Focuses on the effects of natural products and their active components on brain function and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavanoids, isoflavones, saponins etc are known to possess protective activity against many neurological diseases. The molecular mechanisms behind the curative effects rely mainly on the action of phytonutrients on distinct signaling pathways associated with protein folding and neuro-inflammation. The diverse array of bioactive nutrients present in these natural products plays a pivotal role in prevention and cure of various neurodegenerative diseases, disorders, or insults, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, traumatic brain injury, and other neuronal dysfunctions. However, the use of these antioxidants in the management of neurodegenerative conditions has so far been not well understood. This is a comprehensive collection addressing the effects on the brain of natural products and edible items such as reservatrol, curcumin, gingerol, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and marine products.

This first comprehensive overview on nanotechnological approaches to cancer therapy brings together therapeutic oncology and nanotechnology, showing the various strategic approaches to selectively eliminating cancerous cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. The strategies covered include magnetic, optical, microwave and neutron absorption techniques, nanocapsules for active agents, nanoparticles as active agents, and active and passive targeting, while also dealing with fundamental aspects of how nanoparticles cross biological barriers. A valuable single source gathering the many articles published in specialized journals often difficult to locate for members of the other disciplines involved.

Cell Surface Proteases provides a comprehensive overview of these important enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of a protein as it degrades to a simpler substance. In the 1990s, an explosion of new discoveries shed light on the role of cell surface proteases and extended it beyond degradation of extracellular matrix components to include its influence on growth factors, cell signaling, and other cellular events. This volume unites the scientific literature from across disciplines and teases out unified themes of interactions between cell surface proteases and interconnecting cell surface-related systems -- including integrins and other adhesion molecules. Scientists and students involved in developmental biology, cell biology and disease processes will find this an indispensable resource.* Provides an overview of the entire field of cell surface proteases in a single volume* Presents major issues and astonishing discoveries at the forefront of modern developmental biology and developmental medicine * A thematic volume in the longest-running forum for contemporary issues in developmental biology with over 30 years of coverage

Basic Fundamentals of Drug Delivery covers the fundamental principles, advanced methodologies and technologies employed by pharmaceutical scientists, researchers and pharmaceutical industries to transform a drug candidate or new chemical entity into a final administrable drug delivery system. The book also covers various approaches involved in optimizing the therapeutic performance of a biomolecule while designing its appropriate advanced formulation. - Provides up-to-date information on translating the physicochemical properties of drugs into drug delivery systems - Explores how drugs are administered via various routes, such as orally, parenterally, transdermally or through inhalation - Contains extensive references and further reading for course and self-study

Advances in Cancer Research, Volume 139, provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Original reviews are presented on a variety of topics relating to the rapidly developing intersection between nanotechnology and cancer research, with unique sections in the new release focusing on Exosomes as a theranostic for lung cancer, Nanotechnology and cancer immunotherapy, Ultrasound imaging agents and delivery systems, Dendronized systems for the delivery of chemotherapeutics, Thermosensitive liposomes for image-guided drug delivery, Supramolecular Chemistry in Tumor Analysis and Drug Delivery, Gold nanoparticles for delivery of cancer therapeutics, and Single cell barcode microchip for cancer research and therapy. - Provides the latest information on cancer research - Offers outstanding and original reviews on a range of cancer research topics - Serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and students alike

This invaluable resource discusses the current revolution in stem cell-based drugs and their potential use in clinical applications. Each chapter is contributed by a pre-eminent scientist in the field. An introductory section presents current stem cell drugs and stem cell-based products and a discussion of production, quality control, mechanisms, and efficacy. Following sections include discussions on stem cell-derived microvesicles based products, and derived exosomes based products. Stem Cell Drugs - A New Generation of Biopharmaceuticals and the other books in the Stem Cells in Clinical Applications series are invaluable to scientists, researchers, advanced students and clinicians working in stem cells, regenerative medicine or tissue engineering. This groundbreaking volume is also essential reading for those researching or studying drug development or pharmaceutical science.

Epithelial phenotype is a dynamic stage of differentiation that can be modulated during several physiological or pathological events. The rapid conversion to a mesenchymal-like phenotype is called an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The Rise and Fall of Epithelial Phenotype is the first book to comprehensively introduce the concept of EMT. The first part of this volume describes main examples and models and explains their physiological relevance. These examples include hydra morphogenesis, gastrulation in mouse, drosophila and sea urchin, as well as neural crest cell migration and heart morphogenesis in vertebrates. Part two reviews in detail, specific EMT molecular pathways covering extracellular induction, transduction and transcription response and modulation of cell-cell adhesion structures. It emphasizes new specific pathways with potential medical applications. EMTs can also be linked to pathological events such as wound healing and cancer progression, as detailed in this section of the book.