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…

Since the year 2000, exciting developments in cancer therapy have occurred. For decades in the 20th century, the hallmark of medical treatment for cancer had been cytotoxic chemotherapy, with drugs targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells but also certain normal tissues. As a result, many patients experienced the “classic” toxicities of alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms…

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…

Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating illness with poor long-term survival. The diagnosis and treatment of cholangocarcinoma is becoming increasingly important, particularly with the increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, another primary liver tumor. Since the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the two similar malignancies vary tremendously, a thorough understanding of cholangiocarcinoma is vital for any practitioner dealing…

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…

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a subtype of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) with varying clinical presentations, ranging from indolent disease to highly aggressive symptoms. MCL represents approximately 3-10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and has increased in incidence over the past several decades. The majority of patients respond to initial therapy, but remission duration is typically short. This…

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…