The purpose of this book-the fourth volume of a series on Can cer Markers-is intended to provide an updated "status report" on today's use of cancer markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of can cer, with an emphasis on cancer markers detected in the serum. It has been 7 years since the publication of the last volume in this series. The 1980, 1982, and 1985 volumes covered the development of cancer markers, not only in their roles of unraveling the basic biology of can cer, but also as increasingly important players in the management of patients with cancer. During the last 7 years we have seen the applica tion of a number of markers identified by monoclonal antibodies, as well as the beginnings of the use of genetic markers defined by mo lecular probes. Measurements of oncogenes in tissues or cells prom ise many applications for the future, but as yet, these genes have not shown to be useful as serum markers of cancer. The commercial interest in serum markers for cancer, particu larly for the diagnosis and monitoring of tumor patients, is indicated in Chapter 24 by Owen, where the total worldwide market for cancer markers is projected to increase from $148 million in 1988 to $232 million in 1993. The degree of research interest in cancer markers is reflected in the fact that in 1988 a separate category for tumor mark ers was added to Index Medicus.

Confronted with myriads ofTs, N's and M's in the VICC TNM booklet, classifying a malignancy may seem to many cancer clini cians a tedious, dull and pedantic task. But then when he looks into the TNM-Atlas all of a sudden lifeless categories become vi vid images, challenging his know-how and his investigational skills. Prof. Dr. Brigit van der Werf-Messing, Chairman of the International TNM-Committee of the VICC. Preface In 1938 the League of Nations Health Organization published an "Atlas illustrating the division of cancer of the uterine cervix into four stages according to the anatomo-clinical extent of the growth". Since this work appeared, the idea of visual representation of the anatomical extent of malignant tumours at the different stages of their development has been repeatedly discussed. At its meeting in Copenhagen in July 1954, the VICC adopted as part of its programme "the realization of a clinical atlas". However, the time to do the planned illustration work was not ripe until the National Committees and international organiza tions had officially recognized the 28 classifications of malignant tumours at various sites as presented in the 3rd edition of the "TNM Booklet" (1978) edited by M. Harmer. This was all the more important since in 1980, in addition to the "Booklet", a "Brochure of Checklists" edited by A.H. Sellers was made available as a further aid in the practical application of the TNMsystem

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.

During the last decade, important advancements on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer have been made, particularly regarding the mechanisms of control of the cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Translation of basic research to the clinical setting by the identification of assessable markers associated with the above biological mechanisms has permitted verification of the clinical significance of several prognostic indicators and has highlighted the heterogeneous nature of invasive breast cancer.Reprinted from Breast Cancer Research And Treatment, this text contains original papers, overviews, and position papers on the methodological aspects and the clinical significance of the more interesting prognostic and predictive indicators. Ultimately, the determination of biological prognostic and predictive markers with easily applicable, reproducible, and standardizable assays is an integral part of future research aimed to improve the management of patients operated for breast cancer in the years to come. Novel therapeutic strategies based not only on chemotherapy or hormone therapy, but directed at interfering with the molecular targets involved in tumor progression and metastasis, warrant clinical testing and are a major challenge to enhance the potential cure of breast cancer.

Written by the leading melanoma experts from the United States, Australia, and Europe, this new edition incorporates the clinical outcomes of more than 70,000 patients treated at major melanoma centers throughout the world and is the definitive and most authoritative textbook on melanoma used worldwide. Providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information needed for the clinical management and scientific study of melanoma, Cutaneous Melanoma, 6th edition covers everything from precursors of melanoma to advanced stages of metastatic disease.

he thoroughly updated Third Edition of this acclaimed reference incorporates the latest advances in the multidisciplinary therapy of gynecologic cancer. The book provides comprehensive coverage of the biology of gynecologic cancer, the therapeutic modalities available, and the diagnosis and treatment of site-specific malignancies. Because of the importance of multimodality treatment, the site-specific chapters are co-authored by a surgical oncologist, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a pathologist. New chapters in this edition cover laparoscopic surgery and national strategies for gynecologic cancer. More than 30 percent of the chapters have been completely rewritten. This edition also includes new full-color illustrations