We are currently experiencing a fundamental shift in the way in which we approach the characterization of cancer. Never before has the make up of cancer tissues and individual cells been so exhaustively researched and char- terized. We are now capable of producing molecular “fingerprints” that ch- acterize the expression of all known and unknown genes within tumors and their surrounding tissues. More than 30,000 different genes may be measured in each patient’s tumor in a single experiment. Simultaneously, novel therapies that exploit the molecular roadmap have been developed and are now being offered to patients. These novel agents, such as Glivec, Herceptin, Iressa, and others, specifically target individual genes within tumors and can produce d- matic responses in some patients. These drugs are only the forerunners of a coming tidal wave of novel therapeutics that individually target specific m- ecules within cancer cells—more than 300 such agents are currently in phase I or II clinical trials. This is an exciting time for cancer specialists and patients alike. However, if we have learned anything from the past 50 or more years of research into cancer, it is that Lord Beaverbrook, in founding the British national health service in the 1950s, was frighteningly prescient when he defined the primary goal of health care to be “Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Diag- sis. ” Now, more than ever, it is essential that appropriate diagnostic methods and approaches are applied to the selection of patients for treatment.

This unique book provides a thorough overview of developing molecular cancer diagnostic assays, which are the prerequisites for optimal solutions within personalized cancer medicine. The book takes the reader through definitions of the pharmacodiagnostic concept, historical perspectives of the early steps into molecular cancer diagnostics linked to therapy, the basis of different diagnostic molecular techniques, ongoing research, drug-diagnostic co-development, assay validation, clinical trial methodology, regulatory issues around pharmacodiagnostics and future aspects within personalized cancer medicine.

This book aims to bring together a broad variety of examples of the role of pharmacogenomics in current drug development, uncovering dynamic concentration-dependent drug responses on biological systems to understand pharmacodynamics responses in human cancer where genetic lesions serve as tumor markers and provide a basis for cancer diagnosis. The book describes methods and protocols applied in molecular diagnostics. It offers pathologists and researchers providing molecular diagnostic services an array of the most recent and readily accessible reference to compare methods and techniques. Highlights include the molecular diagnosis of genetic aberrations by quantitative polymerase reaction (qPCR), sequence-specific oligonucleotide arrays, next-generation sequencing (NGS), CGH arrays-and methodologies directed at the detection of epigenetic events, high-throughput nucleic acid and protein arrays, direct sequencing and FISH-based methodologies, currently used in the diagnosis of solid tumors. The book also includes an innovative line of treatment in relation to the molecular prognosis, diagnosis and pharmacogenomics in the actual practice of clinical findings at molecular levels. The book covers the applications of numerous genetic testing methodologies; in approximately the chronological order of discovery and high-throughput diagnosis using advanced genomic approaches to identify such genes, in the search for novel drug targets and/or key determinants of drug reactions. It also promotes a wider understanding of molecular diagnostics among physicians, medical students, and scientists in academics, industry and corporate world.

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is an innovative approach to medical treatment and diagnosis that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle for each person. In the context of cancer, precision medicine aims to tailor medical care to the specific genetic and molecular characteristics of each patient's tumor. This allows for more targeted and effective treatments, minimizing side effects and improving outcomes. The first step in precision medicine, especially in oncology, is represented by an accurate diagnosis, including molecular and genetic data. A comprehensive assessment in molecular pathology includes conventional and more innovative techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing for genomic profiling. Precision medicine relies on the analysis of the patient's genomic information, including the DNA mutations present in their tumor. Genomic profiling helps identify specific genetic alterations that are driving the growth of cancer cells. This information is crucial for selecting targeted therapies that directly interfere with these specific molecular abnormalities. In addition, molecular diagnostics provide: • biomarker identification • tumor heterogeneity assessment In turn, this translates into direct treatment decision support. The information obtained through molecular tests guides oncologists in making more informed decisions about the most appropriate treatments for individual patients. This can include targeted therapies, immunotherapies, or other interventions based on the specific molecular profile of the tumor. Prognostication becomes treatment-specific (prediction) and predictive models can be developed by integrating genetic and molecular data with clinical information, to estimate the likelihood of treatment response, recurrence, and overall prognosis. Overall, molecular pathology has significantly advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment, leading to improved outcomes and a shift toward more personalized and effective care. The integration of molecular diagnostics and genomic information has transformed how cancer is understood and managed, offering new hope for patients and providing oncologists with powerful tools to combat the complexity of the disease.

The role of molecular genetics in the treatment of malignancy continues to grow at an astonishing rate. Today’s subspecialized multidisciplinary approach to oncology has incorporated advances in targeted molecular therapy, prognosis, risk assessment, and prevention—all based at least in part on molecular diagnostics and imaging. Inside this cutting-edge resource, readers will explore broad, comprehensive perspectives on the current trends in molecular diagnosis of cancer and personalized cancer medicine. Authoritative discussions share insights from noted experts in cancer research, clinical trials, molecular diagnostics, personalized therapy, bioinformatics, and federal regulations. From the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis to the most advanced molecular screening, staging, and treatment technologies, readers will discover clear and straightforward discussions directly relevant to patient diagnosis and care.

This book aims to bring together a broad variety of examples of the role of pharmacogenomics in current drug development, uncovering dynamic concentration-dependent drug responses on biological systems to understand pharmacodynamics responses in human cancer where genetic lesions serve as tumor markers and provide a basis for cancer diagnosis. The book describes methods and protocols applied in molecular diagnostics. It offers pathologists and researchers providing molecular diagnostic services an array of the most recent and readily accessible reference to compare methods and techniques. Highlights include the molecular diagnosis of genetic aberrations by quantitative polymerase reaction (qPCR), sequence-specific oligonucleotide arrays, next-generation sequencing (NGS), CGH arrays-and methodologies directed at the detection of epigenetic events, high-throughput nucleic acid and protein arrays, direct sequencing and FISH-based methodologies, currently used in the diagnosis of solid tumors. The book also includes an innovative line of treatment in relation to the molecular prognosis, diagnosis and pharmacogenomics in the actual practice of clinical findings at molecular levels. The book covers the applications of numerous genetic testing methodologies; in approximately the chronological order of discovery and high-throughput diagnosis using advanced genomic approaches to identify such genes, in the search for novel drug targets and/or key determinants of drug reactions. It also promotes a wider understanding of molecular diagnostics among physicians, medical students, and scientists in academics, industry and corporate world.

Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer describes the different emerging applications of systems biology and how it is shaping modern pancreatic cancer research. This book begins by introducing the current state of the art knowledge, trends in diagnostics, progress in disease model systems as well as new treatment and palliative care strategies in pancreatic cancer. Specific sections are dedicated to enlighten the readers to newer discoveries that have emerged from gene expression profiling, proteomics, metabolomics and systems level analyses of pancreatic cancer datasets. First of a kind and novel network strategies to understand oncogenic Kras signaling in pancreatic tumors are presented. The attempts to computationally model and prioritize microRNAs that cause pancreatic cancer resistance are also highlighted. Addressing this important area, Molecular Diagnostics and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer provides insights into important network evaluation methodologies related to pancreatic cancer related microRNAs targetome. There are dedicated chapters on critical aspects of the evolving yet controversial field of pancreatic cancer stems cells. The work concludes by discussing the applications of network sciences in pancreatic cancer drug discovery and clinical trial design. Encompasses discussion of innovative tools including expression signatures in cell lines, 3D models, animal xenograft models, primary models and patient derived samples, aiding subversion of traditional biology paradigms, and enhancing comprehension across conventional length and temporal scales Coverage includes novel applications in targeted drugs, polypharmacology, network pharmacology and other related drug development arenas - helping researchers in pancreatic cancer drug discovery Summarizes many relevant computational and clinical references from fast-evolving literature Comprehensive glossary helps newer readers understand technical terms and specialized nomenclature

This book is a review and high-yield reference on the clinical molecular diagnostics of malignant neoplasms. It aims to address the practical questions frequently encountered in the molecular oncology practice, as well as key points and pitfalls in the clinical interpretation of molecular tests in guiding precision cancer management. The text uses a Q&A format and case presentations, with emphasis on understanding the molecular test methods, diagnosis, classification, risk assessment and clinical correlation. Starting with an update on the molecular biology of cancer, the book focuses on the topics related to molecular diagnostics and genetics-based precision oncology. Separate chapters are dedicated to discussion of the bioinformatics for the analysis of genetic/genomic data generated from molecular assays, and quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA) programs in the clinical laboratories; both are critical in producing high quality results for clinical care of cancer patients. These are followed by organ system-based reviews and discussions on the molecular genetic abnormalities and related tests covering diverse types of common to rare malignant neoplasms. This book also provides up-to-date knowledge related to malignant neoplasms, discusses the established as well as evolving requirements for pathologic diagnosis of these malignancies. It also discusses the cost effective utilization of molecular tests in clinical oncology. Written by experts in the field, Practical Oncologic Molecular Pathology serves as a valuable reference for practicing pathologists, fellows, residents and other health care professionals.

Successfully fighting cancer starts with understanding how it begins. This thoroughly revised 3rd Edition explores the scientific basis for our current understanding of malignant transformation and the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer. A team of leading experts thoroughly explain the molecular biologic principles that underlie the diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions now being used in clinical trials and practice. Incorporating cutting-edge advances and the newest research, the book provides thorough descriptions of everything from molecular abnormalities in common cancers to new approaches for cancer therapy. Features sweeping updates throughout, including molecular targets for the development of anti-cancer drugs, gene therapy, and vaccines...keeping you on the cutting edge of your specialty. Offers a new, more user-friendly full-color format so the information that you need is easier to find. Presents abundant figures-all redrawn in full color-illustrating major concepts for easier comprehension. Features numerous descriptions of the latest clinical strategies-helping you to understand and take advantage of today’s state-of-the-art biotechnology advances.

Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics serves as a comprehensive guide for clinical laboratory professionals applying molecular technology to clinical diagnosis. The first half of the book covers principles and analytical concepts in molecular diagnostics such as genomes and variants, nucleic acids isolation and amplification methods, and measurement techniques, circulating tumor cells, and plasma DNA; the second half presents clinical applications of molecular diagnostics in genetic disease, infectious disease, hematopoietic malignancies, solid tumors, prenatal diagnosis, pharmacogenetics, and identity testing. A thorough yet succinct guide to using molecular testing technology, Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics is an essential resource for laboratory professionals, biologists, chemists, pharmaceutical and biotech researchers, and manufacturers of molecular diagnostics kits and instruments. - Explains the principles and tools of molecular biology - Describes standard and state-of-the-art molecular techniques for obtaining qualitative and quantitative results - Provides a detailed description of current molecular applications used to solve diagnostics tasks