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.

Prepared by world leaders on this topic, Biomarkers in Cancer Screening and Early Detection offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art perspective on the various research and clinical aspects of cancer biomarkers, from their discovery and development to their validation, clinical utility, and use in developing personalized cancer treatment. Offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art perspective on the various research and clinical aspects of cancer biomarkers Provides immediately actionable information – and hopefully also inspiration – to move discovery and clinical application forward Offers vital knowledge to help develop personalized cancer treatment for individual patients with specific cancers

Tumor immunology and immunotherapy provides a comprehensive account of cancer immunity and immunotherapy. Examining recent results, current areas of interest and the specific issues that are affecting the research and development of vaccines, this book provides insight into how these problems may be overcome as viewed by leaders in the field.

The book explores recent developments in the application of nanotechnology in the early detection of gastric cancer. It discusses various aspects, such as screening for gastric cancer-associated biomarkers; establishing new ultrasensitive detection methods based on nanoparticle labeling and nanoeffects; developing a new generation of nanodevices for high-throughput examination of serum and breath biomarkers; developing multifunctional nanoprobes for targeted imaging and simultaneous therapy of gastric cancer; evaluating the biosafety of multifunctional nanoprobes; and the establishment of a pre-warning and early diagnosis system. It also presents clinical applications and prospects. The book provides a valuable reference for researchers in nanomedicine and clinicians involved in gastric cancer and radiology.

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

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.