At present most intracranial gliomas are considered incurable with current treatment strategies, and the search for new modalities that may effectively control tumor growth continues. The chapters in this volume describe basic principles and therapeutic possibilities of several innovative techniques, including photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy, stereotactic cryodestruction, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, boron neutron capture therapy, proton and carbon ion irradiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, local chemotherapy, and alternating electric fields therapy. Potential applications of extracellular vesicles and nanotechnology for management of gliomas are highlighted as well. Many of these methods have already demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical testing, whereas others are still under development. The materials presented in this book are mainly directed at clinicians treating patients with brain tumors, as well as clinical and basic researchers working in the field of neuro-oncology.

Treatment of patients with intracranial gliomas, especially high-grade neoplasms, usually requires postoperative adjuvant therapy. Significant progress in the understanding of tumor biology, technological advances in irradiation delivery, and development of novel antitumor drugs have led to an expansion of the therapeutic arsenal in neuro-oncology. This publication provides a unique review of the various options for adjuvant therapy. Special emphasis is on current evidence-based treatment standards and guidelines, and on perspectives of further improvement in long-term outcomes. Chapters review the histopathological and molecular features of gliomas and describe basic principles and clinical results of fractionated radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, use of radiosensitizers, systemic chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. Particular attention is paid to treatment of pediatric patients and to physical and psychological rehabilitation and supportive care at the end of life. This book and its accompanying volumes are mainly directed at neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other clinicians treating patients with brain tumors.

Researchers' knowledge of gliomas continues to advance rapidly at both the basic and translational levels, and Gliomas provides a thorough overview of the evolving fields of tumor biology and clinical medicine as they relate to our understanding of brain tumors. Gliomas reviews the current paradigms that underlie these fields, beginning with the molecular epidemiology of glioma susceptibility and prognosis through population-based science and genome-wide association studies. The book's discussion of imaging modalities extends beyond advances in anatomical imaging to include metabolic and physiological studies. This work provides thorough discussion of the clinical view of tumors, ranging from the presentation of the patient to surgical management, and covers all therapeutic options for patient care, including chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, immunotherapies, and even personalized approaches to impact the set of lesions. Additionally, the book discusses radiotherapy with regard to the many options available to treat patients using myriad fractionated techniques with various sources. Finally, Gliomas reviews issues specific to the quality of life for patients, and techniques for maximizing the effect of caregivers. Edited and authored by premier researchers from around the world, Gliomas is a comprehensive reference for clinicians and researchers seeking the most up-to-date information on gliomas, and a guide to the best ways to effectively manage glioma patients and their care. - Synthesizes widely dispersed information on the management of gliomas into one comprehensive resource - Chapters written by international authors who are preeminent researchers in the field - Fully explores the therapeutic options for patient care, from chemotherapy to radiotherapy to personalized approaches

This open access book offers an essential overview of brain, head and neck, and spine imaging. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in this area, driven by both clinical and technological developments. Written by leading international experts and teachers, the chapters are disease-oriented and cover all relevant imaging modalities, with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The book also includes a synopsis of pediatric imaging. IDKD books are rewritten (not merely updated) every four years, which means they offer a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in imaging. The book is clearly structured and features learning objectives, abstracts, subheadings, tables and take-home points, supported by design elements to help readers navigate the text. It will particularly appeal to general radiologists, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists who want to update their diagnostic expertise, as well as clinicians from other specialties who are interested in imaging for their patient care.

This is truly an exciting time in the field of neuro-oncology, particularly in the area of hi- grade gliomas. The management of patients with high-grade gliomas has historically been one of the most challenging and disheartening fields in medicine, where failure is the rule and longevity is the exception. The jaded often state that despite purported advances in surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and a myriad of clinical trials of medical therapies, the s- vival statistics for glioblastoma have not changed in the last three decades. The nihilism associated with these tumors is such that some practitioners still advise against treatment or even biopsy, recommending palliative care with the diagnosis based only on history and an MRI scan. If the current state-of-the-art in the diagnosis and management of high-grade gliomas was truly so bleak, there would be no reason to compile and publish a monograph on the subject. The fact is that we have recently entered an era where real progress is being made in our understanding and treatment of high-grade gliomas that is directly benefiting some patients. We are slowly but surely chipping away at this problem. One approach has exploited correlations between particular molecular markers and therapeutic response. The first such “breakthrough” in high-grade glioma was the observation that loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q uniformly predict chemosensitivity in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (1).

Many recent developments in neuro-oncology relevant to clinical practice have contributed to improved patient care. The most im portant impact of these developments on treatment may have been a change in the attitudes of the neuro-oncologists involved in making decisions regarding patients with gliomas. From an era of uncertainty which led to therapeutic nihilism, we have entered one of active interventions based on objective parameters for the treat ment of gliomas, which may be either slow-growing or rapid kil lers. The histopathological characteristics of gliomatous lesions are intriguing, and it is only recently that a clearer picture has begun to emerge. A group of dedicated neuropathologists has been at tempting to reach a consensus on pathological classification and grading, providing an important landmark in the field of neuro oncology. This book does not mean to provide exhaustive details on the histopathology of gliomas, but rather highlights the main problems in an authoritative chapter. This chapter attempts to guide the reader to a better understanding of all aspects of the neuropathology of glioma. Neuroradiology has recently seen several breakthroughs. Im ages unimaginable a decade ago are now providing us with an al most three-dimensional impression. But the concomitant illusions and artifacts must also be kept in mind, and pragmatic ideas are carefully put forward in this book about the developing body of knowledge concerning the newer imaging techniques.

This book covers physiologic, metabolic and molecular imaging for gliomas. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Imaging is critical for glioma management because of its ability to noninvasively define the anatomic location and extent of disease. While conventional MRI is used to guide current treatments, multiple studies suggest molecular features of gliomas may be identified with noninvasive imaging, including physiologic MRI and amino acid positron emission tomography (PET). These advanced imaging techniques have the promise to help elucidate underlying tumor biology and provide important information that could be integrated into routine clinical practice. The text outlines current clinical practice including common scenarios in which imaging interpretation impacts patient management. Gaps in knowledge and potential areas of advancement based on the application of more experimental imaging techniques will be discussed. In reviewing this book, readers will learn: current standard imaging methodologies used in clinical practice for patients undergoing treatment for glioma and the implications of emerging treatment modalities including immunotherapy the theoretical basis for advanced imaging techniques including diffusion and perfusion MRI, MR spectroscopy, CEST and amino acid PET the relationship between imaging and molecular/genomic glioma features incorporated in the WHO 2016 classification update and the potential application of machine learning about the recently adopted and FDA approved standard brain tumor protocol for multicenter drug trials of the gaps in knowledge that impede optimal patient management and the cutting edge imaging techniques that could address these deficits

New Techniques for Management of 'Inoperable' Gliomas radically challenges the assumption that certain gliomas cannot be removed with modern techniques, contesting stereotypical thinking and establishing new paradigms in the field. Gliomas are primary brain tumors which are often fatal. Recent data has demonstrated that despite the fact that surgery cannot cure gliomas, patient survival is substantially improved by removing as much of the tumor as possible. This fact has raised the imperative that neurologists try to improve techniques to bring surgical resection to as many patients as possible. This book brings new insights and technologies to the forefront, giving hope to patients. Provides the first comprehensive book to discuss techniques for removing gliomas that are traditionally deemed ‘inoperable’ Presents a great reference tool that challenges stereotypical thinking by offering techniques by innovative surgeons Includes chapters that are organized by different glioma types and surgery/techniques

Over the past decade, enormous advances have been made in both the diagnosis and the surgical and radiotherapeutic management of brain tumors. This new edition guides you through the latest developments in the field, including hot topics like malignant gliomas, functional brain mapping, neurogenetics and the molecular biology of brain tumors, and biologic and gene therapy. Benefit from the knowledge and experience of Drs. Andrew H. Kaye and Edward R. Laws, globally recognized experts in the field of neurosurgery, as well as many other world authorities. Stay up to date with the latest developments in the field, including management of malignant gliomas; functional brain mapping; neurogenetics and the molecular biology of brain tumors; biologic and gene therapies; and much more. Apply the expert's best practices with their key points. The expert guidance of Drs. Kaye and Laws allows you to effectively deal with the increasing incidence of brain tumors, from diagnosis to surgical and radiotherapeutic management.

This book presents the latest research pertaining to the diagnosis, therapy and management of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) in adults, with a particular focus on the path towards individualised therapy for this kind of tumour. Recent research on the natural history of DLGGs and their interaction with the brain has led to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies which increase survival and quality of life of the patient, and these methods are described in this book.