Cancer specialists from a wide range of disciplines seek to encompass the entire spectrum of cancer biology in the two volumes that can serve as stand-along references for both new and experienced researchers. Volume two focuses sharply on determining cell behavior, combining established and familiar techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting with newer and more specialized approaches and specific examples of their application. The general themes are selecting and segregating cell populations for in-vitro and in-vivo assays of metastatic behavior, in-vitro assays of metastatic behavior, and animal models. c. Book News Inc.

The process of metastasis formation is hugely complex, as described in the introductory chapter of this book, and this complexity has led us to compile two volumes of methods, from a vastly divergent background that attempts to encompass the whole spectrum of cancer biology. This first volume, Metastasis Research Protocols: Analysis of Cells and Tissues, concentrates on analysis and mapping of molecules produced by cells and tissues and analysis of the molecular biology underlying their expression, whereas the second volume, Metastasis Research Protocols: Cell Behavior In Vitro and In Vivo,focuses sharply on the determination of cell behavior in vitro and in vivo. We have deliberately included chapters describing well-established and familiar te- niques (for example, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting [Chapter 11], and immunocytochemistry [Chapter 2]) in addition to the newer and more speci- ized approaches and specific examples of their application, because—although the methodology is readily available in the published literature and established in many laboratories—we wished these volumes to “stand alone” and to make accessible here the standard techniques that underpin much metastasis research for both the newcomer to the field and the seasoned researcher. Undoubtedly, owing to the complexity of the metastatic cascade and the wealth of research techniques involved in scientific approaches to its unraveling, and despite our best efforts to make these volumes as comprehensive as seems feasible, this is a tall order, and there will inevitably be omissions. For these we apologize.

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.

Metastasis Research Protocols describes in detail all the methods needed to investigate why and how metastasis occurs. Volume I presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for analyzing the expression of key molecules and for examining their production at the genetic level. The work focuses on the analysis and mapping of molecules produced by cells and tissues, and on the molecular biology underlying their expression. The traditional methods range from the histopathological and the immunocytochemical to SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and enzyme zymography. Newer and more specialized techniques for analyzing the genetic aspects of metastasis include in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs, FISH, CGH, methylation analysis of CpG islands, RT-PCR, and differential display. Volume II presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for examining metastatic behavior in vitro and whole animal models. Methods are provided for the separation of cell lines with high and low metastatic potential, along with assay systems to test defined aspects of the metastatic cascade. These systems include cell migration assays, assays for matrix degrading enzymes, basement membrane degrading assays, adhesion assays, and assays of angiogenesis. The detailed descriptions of animal models of metastasis cover the use of immunodeficient animals, syngenic and transgenic models, and orthotopic models of metastasis.

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.

Metastasis Research Protocols describes in detail all the methods needed to investigate why and how metastasis occurs. Volume I presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for analyzing the expression of key molecules and for examining their production at the genetic level. Volume I focuses on the analysis and mapping of molecules produced by cells and tissues, and on the molecular biology underlying their expression. The traditional methods range from the histopathological and the immunocytochemical to SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and enzyme zymography. Newer and more specialized techniques for analyzing the genetic aspects of metastasis include in situ hybridization to localize mRNAs, FISH, CGH, methylation analysis of CpG islands, RT-PCR, differential display. Volume II presents a comprehensive collection of established and leading-edge techniques for examining metastatic behavior in vitro and whole animal models. Methods are provided for the separation of cell lines with high and low metastatic potential, along with assay systems to test defined aspects of the metastatic cascade.; These systems include cell migration assays, assays for matrix degradation enzymes, basement membrane degradation assays, adhesion assays, and assays of angiogenesis. The detailed descriptions of animal models for metastasis cover the use of immunodeficient animals, syngenic and transgenic models, and orthotopic models of metastasis.

Introduction to Cancer Metastasis provides, in one place, an overview of organ-specific cancer metastasis and the most common sites of cancer metastasis. Through specific chapters on individual primary cancers, their metastasis, and chapters on common metastatic sites, this volume comprehensively informs readers about the broader knowledge base in cancer metastasis. The process of metastasis is particularly responsible for making cancer so lethal. This volume explores both metastasis from sites of origin and common metastatic sites, thus increasing understanding of both perspectives. Includes basic biology and translational approaches to organ-specific cancer sites Provides readers with information on emerging therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis Contains contributions from leading researchers around the globe