A dramatic increase in knowledge regarding the molecular biology of brain tumors has been established over the past few years, and this has lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for these patients. In this book a review of the options available for the clinical management of patients with these tumors are outlined. In addition advances in radiology both for pre-operative diagnostic purposes along with surgical planning are described. Furthermore a review of newer developments in chemotherapy along with the evolving field of photodynamic therapy both for intra-operative management and subsequent therapy is provided. A discussion of certain surgical management issues along with tumor induced epilepsy is included. Finally a discussion of the management of certain unique problems including brain metastases, brainstem glioma, central nervous system lymphoma along with issues involving patients with a brain tumor and pregnancy is provided.

This book presents the latest research pertaining to the diagnosis, therapy and management of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) in adults, with a particular focus on the path towards individualised therapy for this kind of tumour. Recent research on the natural history of DLGGs and their interaction with the brain has led to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies which increase survival and quality of life of the patient, and these methods are described in this book.

This is truly an exciting time in the field of neuro-oncology, particularly in the area of hi- grade gliomas. The management of patients with high-grade gliomas has historically been one of the most challenging and disheartening fields in medicine, where failure is the rule and longevity is the exception. The jaded often state that despite purported advances in surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques and a myriad of clinical trials of medical therapies, the s- vival statistics for glioblastoma have not changed in the last three decades. The nihilism associated with these tumors is such that some practitioners still advise against treatment or even biopsy, recommending palliative care with the diagnosis based only on history and an MRI scan. If the current state-of-the-art in the diagnosis and management of high-grade gliomas was truly so bleak, there would be no reason to compile and publish a monograph on the subject. The fact is that we have recently entered an era where real progress is being made in our understanding and treatment of high-grade gliomas that is directly benefiting some patients. We are slowly but surely chipping away at this problem. One approach has exploited correlations between particular molecular markers and therapeutic response. The first such “breakthrough” in high-grade glioma was the observation that loss of chromosomes 1p and 19q uniformly predict chemosensitivity in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (1).

Researchers' knowledge of gliomas continues to advance rapidly at both the basic and translational levels, and Gliomas provides a thorough overview of the evolving fields of tumor biology and clinical medicine as they relate to our understanding of brain tumors. Gliomas reviews the current paradigms that underlie these fields, beginning with the molecular epidemiology of glioma susceptibility and prognosis through population-based science and genome-wide association studies. The book's discussion of imaging modalities extends beyond advances in anatomical imaging to include metabolic and physiological studies. This work provides thorough discussion of the clinical view of tumors, ranging from the presentation of the patient to surgical management, and covers all therapeutic options for patient care, including chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, immunotherapies, and even personalized approaches to impact the set of lesions. Additionally, the book discusses radiotherapy with regard to the many options available to treat patients using myriad fractionated techniques with various sources. Finally, Gliomas reviews issues specific to the quality of life for patients, and techniques for maximizing the effect of caregivers. Edited and authored by premier researchers from around the world, Gliomas is a comprehensive reference for clinicians and researchers seeking the most up-to-date information on gliomas, and a guide to the best ways to effectively manage glioma patients and their care. - Synthesizes widely dispersed information on the management of gliomas into one comprehensive resource - Chapters written by international authors who are preeminent researchers in the field - Fully explores the therapeutic options for patient care, from chemotherapy to radiotherapy to personalized approaches

Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a brain infiltrative neoplasia, often invading cortical and subcortical functional structures. It affects young active patients, who usually present with seizures. This work gives insights into different therapeutic strategies that need to be considered for each patient, and the parameters that can help decision making.

Treatment of malignant glioma remains a major challenge for neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists caring for patients with these tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common type of brain tumor, is also the most deadly -- only five percent of patients or fewer will be alive at five years after diagnosis. This comprehensive new reference is edited by a renowned team consisting of a neurosurgeon, medical oncologist, oncologic surgeon, and radiation oncologist. The book provides basic researchers and clinicians with a contemporary review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, and also imparts to experienced investigators outside of the field sufficient background to apply their skills to the treatment of this deadly disease. Expert malignant glioma researchers and clinicians provide state-of-the-art chapters on important topics such as molecular genetic classification of glioblastoma, surgical management, stem cell therapy, chemotherapy, angiogenesis, and more.