The past five years have witnessed an explosion of research efforts in the study of how cells die. This book provides an up-to-date overview of our current knowledge of apoptosis and how discoveries in this area impact on our understanding of cancer. By synthesizing many of the recent developments in this area and placing them in perspective, it fulfills an important need. All the contributions are written by experts in their respective fields. The first two chapters give a basic introduction to the cell death machinery and its role in tumor development and progression; subsequent chapters cover current aspects of apoptosis research, including the involvement of cell cycle-related proteins (e.g. cyclin-dependent kinases) in apoptosis, the role of Bcl-2, Bcr-Abl, Rb, p53 and myc in the regulation of cell death, and apoptosis in the context of specific neoplasms such as cancer of the prostate, kidney, leukemia and neuroblastoma. It is also discussed how insights into the regulation of apoptosis may be exploited for designing new drugs aimed at eliminating malignant cells. Compiling the most recent research results on the relationship between apoptosis and cancer in one handy volume, this book will provide a valuable reference for scientists working in cancer research as well as newcomers to the field.

This book discusses properties of apoptosis and other cell death modalities in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Its nine chapters discuss modulation of anti-tumor inflammatory and immune responses, effects on the tumor microenvironment, to strategies for improving pro-apoptotic therapies, mechanisms and implications for disease pathogenesis, axl and mer receptor tyrosine kinases, immunogenic apoptotic cell death and anti-cancer immunity and cancer cell death-inducing radiotherapy. This book places the onco-biology of apoptosis in clear and objective perspective through an expertly synthesized series of reviews. Apoptosis in Cancer Pathogenesis and Anti-cancer Therapy is a deft and thorough exploration of cutting-edge research in apoptosis and anti-cancer mechanisms from basic biology to oncology. It highlights a rapidly growing field within cancer research and is essential reading for oncologists, biochemists and advanced graduate students alike.

A key goal in the treatment of cancer is to achieve selective and efficient killing of tumor cells. The aim of Cell Death Signaling in Cancer Biology and Treatment is to describe state-of-the-art approaches and future opportunities for achieving this goal by targeting mechanisms and pathways that regulate cancer cell death. In this book, molecular defects in cell death signaling that characterize cancer cells, including dysregulation of cell death due to overexpression/hyperactivation of oncoproteins, as well as the loss of tumor suppressor proteins will be described. The potential for targeting microRNAs will be discussed. Multiple chapters will describe preclinical and clinical approaches that are currently being used to target epigenetic modifications, DNA repair pathways, and protein chaperones, as a means of provoking tumor cell death. Finally, the development and application of novel agents and approaches for targeting specific components of cell death signaling pathways and machinery will be reviewed.

Novel drugs are being developed which interact with the programmed cell death (apoptotic) machinery in cancer cells, thereby causing these cells to commit suicide and to be removed from the body. Research is also directed to investigate why the cancer cells sometimes lose the ability to undergo apoptosis after a certain period of time and methods are being developed to reactivate this cell death process. This book is intended for workers in the field and clinicians as a useful guide of the state of affairs in this exciting field which may offer more effective possibilities for treatment of cancer patients. Mels Sluyser is the Editor of the journals APOPTOSIS and ANTI-CANCER DRUGS. He brings together a collection of papers written by the world’s leading experts in these fields.

Although research on carcinogenesis has focused more on cellular proliferation than on cell death, yet understanding the mechanism of apoptosis may have important implications for cancer therapy. This book brings together experts from around the world who will discuss the common cancers encountered in clinical practice in the laboratory setting. During the induction of these common cancers, the role of apoptosis in cellular and molecular changes is emphasized, critically highlighting possible anti-cancer strategies. For those who are interested in carcinogenesis and for those who are seeking new approaches to anti-cancer therapy, this book is an important reference. It serves not only as a reference of the current understanding of apoptosis in common cancers but also an important bridge between the laboratory and clinical practice. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated in bringing together an important pool of up-to-date knowledge to light and further our interest in this exciting and expanding ?eld. Arthur K. C. Li Emeritus Professor of Surgery The Chinese University of Hong Kong v Preface The role of apoptosis in cancer development and emerging treatment strategies has rapidly expanded over the past few years. The novel discovery in the apoptotic pa- ways and their relevant molecules provides us not only the knowledge how tumors develop but also the opportunity to design new therapeutic tools to prevent or inhibit the growth of tumors with minimal side-effects. Undoubtedly, understanding the events involved at a molecular level can permit the manipulation of apoptosis for therapeutic purposes.

Apoptosis is the regulated form of cell death. It is a complex process defined by a set of characteristic morphological and biochemical features that involves the active participation of affected cells in a self-destruction cascade. This programmed cell death plays a critical role in physiological functions such as cell deletion during embryonic development, balancing cell number in continuously renewing tissues and immune system development. Additionally, a dysregulation of apoptosis is underlying in numerous pathological situations such as Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. A number of studies have pointed out an association between consumption of fruits and vegetables, and certain beverages such as tea and wine, which are rich in polyphenols, with reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Apoptosis is also the regulatory mechanism involved in the removal of unnecessary cells during development and in tissue homeostasis in a wide range of organisms from insects to mammals. Cancer and cell apoptosis is the central focus of this significant book.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates