Cancer Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatments

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer worldwide and is mainly prevalent in developed countries. It is thought to arise through two distinct pathways: the noninvasive and the invasive. The noninvasive pathway gives rise to a superficial papillary carcinoma that is characterized by activating mutations in oncogenes such as H-ras, FGFR3 and…

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of monoclonal immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Multiple myeloma is associated with lytic bone lesions, anemia, immunodeficiency and renal impairment. Multiple myeloma accounts for more than 10% of all hematologic malignancies and about 1% of all cancers. Multiple myeloma remains…

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. More than one half of a person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence because of more opportunities and time for exposure. Exposure to UV radiation during childhood plays a role in the future development of skin cancer. Studies indicate that…

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and most cases are preventable. Despite efforts to address skin cancer risk factors, such as inadequate sun protection and intentional tanning behaviors, skin cancer rates, including rates of melanoma, have continued to increase in the United States and worldwide. The goal of this…

Exploring prognostic and predictive response therapy factors in cancer disease is one of the most exciting issues of modern oncological science. Targeting intracellular signalling molecules is one of the novel approaches in which basic and translational researches meet clinical practice to define the best management of malignancies. The goal for target therapies is to identify…

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established clinical modality for cancer, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, dermatological, and dental diseases. PDT is based on the activation of photosensitizer agents with specific wavelength of light, which results in energy transfer cascades that ultimately yield cytotoxic reactive oxygen species that can render cell death. This book discusses the fundamentals, applications and…

As the definition of palliative-intent radiation therapy (RT) continues to evolve, the application of advanced radiotherapeutic technologies, such as intensity-modulated RT, and techniques, such as image-guidance, are no longer the provision solely of the curative realm. Treatment options previously considered strictly palliative are expanding, with conventional RT being delivered in conjunction with other modalities such…