In Volume I, Analysis of Cells and Tissues, we presented a range of protocols aimed at mapping and analyzing the expression of various molecules of pot- tial interest in metastasis research and for examining their production at the genetic level. In this second volume of metastasis research protocols, we move to the level of living cells and tissues and present methodologies applicable to examining metastatic behavior in vitro and in whole animal models. The methods described in the first section of this volume concentrate on the separation of cell lines with high and low metastatic potential, including the genetic modification of cell lines. The assay systems to test defined aspects of the metastatic cascade are then described in Part II and include cell migration assays, assays for matrix degrading enzymes, basement membrane degrading assays, adhesion assays, and assays of angiogenesis. The role of the specific elements of the metastatic cascade assayed in each of these systems in turn must of course be put into perspective relative to their roles in entire living organisms.

This book describes the basics, the challenges and the limitations of state of the art brain tumor imaging and examines in detail its impact on diagnosis and treatment monitoring. It opens with an introduction to the clinically relevant physical principles of brain imaging. Since MR methodology plays a crucial role in brain imaging, the fundamental aspects of MR spectroscopy, MR perfusion and diffusion-weighted MR methods are described, focusing on the specific demands of brain tumor imaging. The potential and the limits of new imaging methodology are carefully addressed and compared to conventional MR imaging. In the main part of the book, the most important imaging criteria for the differential diagnosis of solid and necrotic brain tumors are delineated and illustrated in examples. A closing section is devoted to the use of MR methods for the monitoring of brain tumor therapy. The book is intended for radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists and other scientists in the biomedical field with an interest in neuro-oncology.

Protocol Handbook for Cancer Biology brings together a comprehensive collection of the methods used for cancer assessment, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Various protocols are discussed along with alternative strategies, including the advantages and limitations of techniques that have been used in labs globally. These protocols are presented by cancer biology experts based on their real-world experience. The protocols in this book will be a valuable resource for cancer researchers and graduate students, who can utilize the techniques described to conduct research more efficiently and successfully. - Presents comprehensive protocols used for cancer assessment, diagnostics, and therapeutics all in one place - Encompasses alternative strategies considering the requirements of the end user and taking into consideration diverse research settings - Discusses limitations and advantages of each method in experimental design and execution, thus saving time during the research process

Metastasis is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-contiguous organ or part. Only malignant tumour cells and infections have the capacity to metastasise. Cancer cells can "break away" from a primary tumour, penetrate into lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through the bloodstream, and grow in a distant focus (metastasise) in normal tissues elsewhere in the body. Metastasis is considered a hallmark of malignancy. All tumours can metastasise albeit to varying degrees, barring a few exceptions (eg. Glioma and Basal cell carcinoma never metastasize). When cancer cells spread to form a new tumour, it is called a secondary, or metastatic tumour, and its cells are like those in the original tumour. This means, for example, that if breast cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the lung, the secondary tumour is made up of abnormal breast cells (not abnormal lung cells). The disease in the lung is then called metastatic breast cancer (not lung cancer). Only malignant tumour cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

This volume provides the most recent developments and methodologies on metastatic process, formation, and detection. Chapters guide readers through functional metastasis in vitro assays, non-mouse and mice metastasis models, methods for imaging metastasis, analyzing the tumor microenvironment, senescence and inflammation with respect to metastasis, methods to investgate the premetastatic/ metastatic, detecting biomarkers in patient, and bioinformatics to simulate the metastatic process. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Metastasis: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an important innovative treatment for various primary and metastatic cancers. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the physical/technological, biological, and clinical aspects of SBRT. It will serve as a detailed resource for this rapidly developing treatment modality. The organ sites covered include lung, liver, spine, pancreas, prostate, adrenal, head and neck, and female reproductive tract. Retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials on SBRT for various organ sites from around the world are examined, and toxicities and normal tissue constraints are discussed. This book features unique insights from world-renowned experts in SBRT from North America, Asia, and Europe. It will be necessary reading for radiation oncologists, radiation oncology residents and fellows, medical physicists, medical physics residents, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and cancer scientists.