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.

Radiosensitizers and Radiochemotherapy in the Treatment of Cancer catalogs and describes the mechanism of action for entities characterized as radiosensitizers. Developments in the biological and physical sciences have introduced new radiosensitizers and defined novel targets for radiosensitization. As a result, a book about radiosensitization must

Current approaches aimed at improving the efficacy of radiation as a cancer treatment modality involve the development and application of molecularly targeted radiosensitizers, a strategy that requires a thorough understanding of the fundamental processes comprising the cellular radioresponse. Recent data indicating that radiation modifies gene expression primarily through translational control rather than transcriptional events suggests that mRNA translation contributes to cell survival after irradiation. The overall goal of this project is to determine whether the regulatory/rate-limiting components of the translational machinery provide targets for tumor cell radiosensitization. The majority of translation in mammalian cells occurs in a cap-dependent manner and is highly dependent on eIF4E. As such, we investigated a regulatory role for eIF4E in cellular radiosensitivity. eIF4E knockdown enhanced the radiosensitivity of tumor but not normal cells. eIF4E knockdown inhibited the dispersal of radiation-induced [gamma]H2AX foci. Furthermore, radiation was found to increase the binding of >1000 unique mRNAs to eIF4E, many involved in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), also an important regulatory component of the translational machinery, enhances the translation of specific mRNA subpopulations, independent from eIF4E, and mediates ribosome biogenesis. The role of S6K1 in determing cell survival after radiation was determined in several tumor cell lines and one normal cell line. S6K1 knockdown enhanced the radiosensitivity of all 3 tumor lines. In contrast S6K1 knockdown had no effect on the cellular radiosensitivity of the one normal line tested. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a critical kinase in the regulation of gene translation and has been suggested as a potential target for radiosensitization. Importantly, it plays a major role in regulating eIF4E availability as well as S6K1 activity.

This book describes and summarizes the radiation responses of both normal and neoplastic tissues with a focus on rational strategies for the modification of these responses. Emerging data from molecular oncology and radiobiology are reviewed in depth. The book covers not only general principles of radiation-induced reactions but also a large number of preclinical and clinical data that will guide the reader through this complex and dynamic field and will provide valuable information for the development of further research projects.

The medicinal uses of Curcumin (also called turmeric) have been known and described for more than 5000 years. A large body of recent research suggests that curcumin is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, through modulation of numerous molecular targets. This is the first monograph to focus on the potential use of curcumin in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis and more.

Thoroughly revised and updated, the 2nd Edition presents all of the latest advances in the field, including the most recent technologies and techniques. For each tumor site discussed, readers will find unparalleled coverage of multiple treatment plans, histology and biology of the tumor, its anatomic location and routes of spread, and utilization of specialized techniques. This convenient source also reviews all of the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Comprehensively reviews each topic, with a distinct clinical orientation throughout. Serves as a foundation for the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Guides readers through all stages of treatment application with step-by-step techniques for the assessment and implementation of radiotherapeutic options. Presents latest information on brachytherapy * 3-dimensional conformal treatment planning * sterotactic radiosurgery * and radiolabeled antibodies. Discusses the recent use of radiotherapy in the treatment of primary lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the prostate and central nervous system. Includes the latest AJCC staging system guidelines. Offers the latest advances in techniques, allowing you to deliver doses precisely to areas affected by malignancy and spare healthy tissue. Presents new chapters on the hottest topics including Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy * Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy * Breathing Synchronized Radiotherapy * Plasma Cell Tumors: Multiple Myeloma and Solitary Plasmacytoma * Extracranial Stereotactic Radioablation * and [Imaging of the] Head and Neck * Thorax * Abdomen * and Pelvis.

It is essential to minimize damage to normal tissues during radiation therapy and many strategies have been employed in finding the best methods for radioprotection. This book integrates chemical, biological, and clinical perspectives on these strategies and developments, providing a comprehensive treatise. It emphasizes new concepts in radioprotection, aiming to inspire further basic science and clinical progress in radioprotector research. Radioprotectors: Chemical, Biological, and Clinical Perspectives includes the following topics: Early research on radioprotectors WR-2721, an aminothiol prodrug, as a radioprotector New results with naturally occurring thiols Nitroxides as effective radioprotectors in vitro and in vivo Radioprotection observed with radical scavengers or antioxidants Bone marrow radioprotection with cytokines and biological modifiers Multiple mechanisms of altering radiation response by eicosanoids Vascular response to radiation and the importance of vascular damage to normal tissue Modifiers of radiation-induced apoptosis Survey of clinical trials with radioprotectors Radiation biologists and oncologists, cancer researchers, and toxicologists will benefit from the findings discussed and strategies for future research.