Molecular Targeted Radiosensitizers: Opportunities and Challenges provides the reader with a comprehensive review of key pre-clinical research components required to identify effective radiosensitizing drugs. The book features discussions on the mechanisms and markers of clinical radioresistance, pre-clinical screening of targeted radiosensitizers, 3D radiation biology for studying radiosensitizers, in vivo determinations of local tumor control, genetically engineered mouse models for studying radiosensitizers, targeting the DNA damage response for radiosensitization, targeting tumor metabolism to overcome radioresistance, radiosensitizers in the era of immuno-oncology, and more. Additionally, the book features discussions on high-throughput drug screening, predictive biomarkers, pre-clinical tumor models, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment and the immune system, with a specific focus on the challenges radiation oncologists and medical oncologists currently face in testing radiosensitizers in human cancers. Edited by two acclaimed experts in radiation biology and radiosensitizers, with thirteen chapters contributed by experts, this new volume presents an in-depth look at current developments within a rapidly moving field, with a look at where the field will be heading and providing comprehensive insight into the framework of targeted radiosensitzer development. Essential reading for investigators in cancer research and radiation biology.

Improving the Therapeutic Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer provides a complete review of current approaches to modulating therapeutic sensitivity in head and neck cancer. It presents a broad background of current approaches and by highlighting the potential for clinical translational, introduces a roadmap for how to move promising preclinical findings into the clinic. The book discusses topics such as immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies in head and neck cancer, PI3k/mTOR pathway, autophagy inhibition to sensitize HNC to radiation and chemotherapy, TAM and Eph/Ephrin family proteins and metabolic reprogramming to modulate therapeutic sensitivity. Additionally, it details approaches to improve the response to immunotherapy, and Chk1/2 inhibition in radiation and cetuximab resistance. This book is a valuable source to head and neck cancer researchers and advanced students, and to those studying specific approaches in other model systems and disease sites. - Provides key scientific background for clinicians when developing novel clinical trials and important examples for basic scientists of the types of work required to move a concept from the lab to the clinic - Presents consistent pathway diagrams in each chapter, thus making it easier to understand complicated pathways - Includes chapter summaries of the critical next steps needed to move studies from their current state into practice changing clinical data

The first clinical book on the hottest topic in radiation oncology, this timely teaching text offers step-by-step guidance in use of IMRT for cancers at each subsite of the head and neck. The book's high-end content gives readers the clinical decision-making expertise and technical proficiency to incorporate this state-of-the-art radiation treatment technique into practice. Unique to this text is the site-specific instruction on target determination and delineation, to ensure adequate treatment of the tumor target while sparing adjacent normal tissue. More than 250 detailed full-color and black-and-white illustrations clarify each step in clinical implementations of head and neck cancer treatment, especially IMRT. The book provides a concise, pertinent overview of the natural course, lymph node spread, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options for each head and neck cancer subsite. Numerous tables provide extensive summaries of the IMRT literature. Figures with succinct explanatory text demonstrate the patterns of direct tumor extension and nodal metastasis with which target volumes are determined and delineated. Clinical outcomes for patients treated with IMRT and with conventional techniques are also included.

Tumor biology varies at different subsites in the oral cavity, and therefore carcinoma of the gingivo-buccal sulcus (also known as Indian cancer) behaves differently from carcinoma of the tongue. Oral cancer is very often diagnosed at an advanced stage with neck metastasis, and most cases have a guarded prognosis. Loco-regional recurrences are frequent and morbidity following treatment is considerable. However, results have improved in recent years, particularly in early and certain advanced stages, due to better imaging and case selection, improved surgical techniques, including those for reconstructive surgery, a multidisciplinary team approach and a better understanding of tumor biology and prognostic factors. This book comprehensively and systematically reviews all these aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic advances in oral cancer, particularly discussing early detection, epidemiology, chemoprevention and current research. Written by specialists who are active leaders in basic sciences or clinical fields, the chapters address individual and collective issues in managing patients with oral cancer, and provide insights into various treatment approaches. The authors share their knowledge and experience and provide extensive literature sources to encourage clinicians to be flexible, innovative and help them make the best, educated decisions for individual patients.

This book, now in its second edition, provides a comprehensive overview of current re-irradiation strategies, with detailed discussion of re-irradiation methods, technical aspects, the role of combined therapy with anticancer drugs and hyperthermia, and normal tissue tolerance. In addition, disease specific chapters document recent clinical results and future research directions. All chapters from the first edition have been revised and updated to take account of the latest developments and research findings, including those from prospective studies. Due attention is paid to the exciting developments in the fields of proton irradiation and frameless image-guided ablative radiotherapy. The book documents fully how refined combined modality approaches and significant technical advances in radiation treatment planning and delivery have facilitated the re-irradiation of previously exposed volumes, allowing both palliative and curative approaches to be pursued at various disease sites. Professionals involved in radiation treatment planning and multimodal oncology treatment will find it to be an invaluable aid in understanding the benefits and limitations of re-irradiation and in designing prospective trials.

Part of the Integrating Palliative Care series, this volume on surgical palliative care guides readers through the core palliative skills and knowledge needed to deliver high value care for patients with life-limiting, critical, and terminal illness under surgical care. Surgical Palliative Care is an ideal resource for surgeons, surgical nurses, intensivists, and other practitioners who wish to learn more about integrating palliative care into the surgical field.