Glioma Signaling is a text reference on cellular signaling processes focused on the mechanism of nucleotide receptors activation by exogenic nucleotides and the formation of complex signaling cascades, including cytoplasmic transcription factors, induced by growth factors, cytokines and cannabinoids. The book provides a framework explaining how signal transduction elements may modulate glioma cytoskeleton structure, cytoplasmic calcium concentration changes, cellular growth, progression and invasion, as well as presents perspective concerning potential targets for glioma therapy.

Gliomas, developing in the brain from the transformed glial cells, are a very special kind of tumor, extremely refractory to conventional treatments. Therefore, for the development of new antitumor strategies, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms responsible for their biology, growth and invasion is still needed. This book is a reference on cellular signaling processes regulating gliomas physiology and invasiveness. The work is focused on the mechanism of nucleotide receptor activation by exogenous nucleotides and formation of complex signaling cascades induced by growth factors, cytokines and cannabinoids. The second edition of the book enriched in new chapters provides a framework explaining how signal transduction elements may modulate numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations, describes the role of local microenvironment in cellular growth, progression and invasion and, in the light of extensive new results, presents perspectives concerning potential targets for gliomas therapy.

Genetic alterations in cancer, in addition to being the fundamental drivers of tumorigenesis, can give rise to a variety of metabolic adaptations that allow cancer cells to survive and proliferate in diverse tumor microenvironments. This metabolic flexibility is different from normal cellular metabolic processes and leads to heterogeneity in cancer metabolism within the same cancer type or even within the same tumor. In this book, we delve into the complexity and diversity of cancer metabolism, and highlight how understanding the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism is fundamental to the development of effective metabolism-based therapeutic strategies. Deciphering how cancer cells utilize various nutrient resources will enable clinicians and researchers to pair specific chemotherapeutic agents with patients who are most likely to respond with positive outcomes, allowing for more cost-effective and personalized cancer therapeutic strategies.

Gliomas are fatal diseases, but also represent good models for tumor research with the aim to eventually discover new and appropriate therapeutics against this disease. Glioma experimental research models are of help to investigate tumorigenesis (tumor stem cell theory versus "classical" opinions), tumor angiogenesis (since they are highly vascularized) and tumor invasion (since they grow without limits). In addition, they have a very special microenvironment (the brain) and limited tumor stroma cells (mainly microglia and endothelial cells). This book addresses the molecular mechanisms of the various tumor stages, describes the interaction with the tumor microenvironment and furthermore depicts experimental models for Glioma research and future therapeutic concepts. The book is composed and written for Scientists and Medical Doctors in Oncology, Neurosciences and Molecular Biology. ​

Treatment of malignant glioma remains a major challenge for neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists caring for patients with these tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common type of brain tumor, is also the most deadly -- only five percent of patients or fewer will be alive at five years after diagnosis. This comprehensive new reference is edited by a renowned team consisting of a neurosurgeon, medical oncologist, oncologic surgeon, and radiation oncologist. The book provides basic researchers and clinicians with a contemporary review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, and also imparts to experienced investigators outside of the field sufficient background to apply their skills to the treatment of this deadly disease. Expert malignant glioma researchers and clinicians provide state-of-the-art chapters on important topics such as molecular genetic classification of glioblastoma, surgical management, stem cell therapy, chemotherapy, angiogenesis, and more.

Standard therapy for high grade glioma is a topic that is evolving, timely, and relevant. Guest Editors Isaac Yang, MD and Seunggu Han, MD have assembled a group of experts on management of high grade glioma. Some of the articles in this issue include: Use of language mapping to aid resection of eloquent gliomas; Clinical trials with immunotherapy; Clinical trials for small molecule inhibitors; Nanotechnology potential applications for GBM therapy; High Grade Gliomas in children; Modern Advances in Brain Tumor Treatments; Molecular pathways of Avastin interactions for the treatment of glioblastoma; and Quality of Life and Outcomes in Glioblastoma management.