This book provides a detailed overview of the fundamentals of tumor biology and the influence of biologic factors on the design of therapeutic strategies and the outcome of established and emerging treatments. Particular attention is devoted to multidisciplinary combined modality therapy. The topics reviewed include tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, physiology of malignant tissues, adhesion and invasion, development of metastases, and the role of the immune system. Subsequent chapters discuss the principles of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecularly targeted therapy, explain treatment resistance, and provide strategies for rational combinations, including the design of translational studies. Furthermore, the principles and clinical implications of diverse new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented. The chapters in this book have been written by an outstanding group of basic scientists, clinical researchers, and cancer professionals with long experience in the field.

Tumorigenesis

Tumor Growth and Cell Proliferation
Angiogenesis
Tumor Physiology (Phenomenology)
Adhesion, Invasion, Integrins and Beyond
Development of Metastases
Role of the Immune System in Cancer Development and Therapeutic Implications
Cancer Prevention
Tumor Detection by Morphological and Biological Imaging
Tumor Detection by Biological Markers (Serum, Urine, Breathing Gas, Proteomics)
Quantitative Cell Kill by Chemo- and Radiotherapy
Impact of Molecularly Targeted Agents on Cell Kill in Bi- or Trimodal Approaches (i.e. plus Chemo, Radio-, or Radiochemotherapy)
Translational Studies for Target-Based Drugs
Molecular Mechanisms of Treatment Resistance
Physiological Mechanisms of Treatment Resistance
Influence of Repopulation on Treatment Resistance
Molecular Tools, Gene Expression Profiling
Strategies of Gene Transfer/Silencing and Technical Considerations
Tumor Biology s Impact on Clinical Cure Rates
Can Dose-Escalated Radiotherapy Eventually Cure All Biologically Distinct Subsets of a Certain Tumor Type? Answers from Stereotactic Lung and Liver Radiotherapy Experience.-Low-Dose Radiotherapy A Chemopotentiator?
Treatment of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Cancer: Influence on Outcome
Subject Index
List of Contributors.