about the involvement of signaling Transforming growth factor in tumor development and metastasis. plays a central role in the signaling network that controls morphogenesis, 2. THE BASICS OF growth and cell differentiation in SIGNALING multicellular organisms. The different members of this pleiotropic family of 2. 1. receptor signaling growth and differentiation factors seem to The family of growth factors regulate many processes in human disease consists of more than thirty members in and, in particular, tumor development. humans alone (15, 16). They cluster in Our understanding of how two major groups, the group composed of initiated signals are mediated has both the bone morphogenetic proteins increased dramatically in the last fifteen (BMP) and growth and differentiation years. Firstly, the prototype of factors (GDFs), and the group formed by this still constantly growing family, was the Activins, and Nodals. The two identified and cloned (1). Secondly, the groups differ in their use of receptors for family receptors were transmembrane receptors and the identified by expression cloning from subsequent activation of the mammalian tissue culture (2-7). Thirdly, transcriptional mediators (for recent genetic screens in Drosophila reviews see (13, 14, 17)).

Recent years have seen a considerable emphasis on growth factors and the elucidation of their mode of function, which has led to the recognition that growth factors, their receptors as well as downstream elements of signalling associated with their function might be potential targets in therapeutic management of human diseases. Humanised monoclonal antibodies raised against growth factor receptors have proved to be valuable for targeted cancer treatment and in patient management. This book reviews the latest developments providing insights into the signalling processes involved in morphogenesis and pathogenesis with emphasis on using the elements of the signalling cascades as targets for therapeutic deployment. - Provides a fundamental understanding of the basic functions of growth factors and their receptors, describing how they are linked in biological processes - Aids the development of therapeutic treatments for cancer - Focuses on the interrelationships and convergence of growth factors and their receptors in development and pathogenesis and encourages greater cooperation and integration in the areas of developmental, cancer and cancer therapeutic research

This two-volume treatise, the collected effort of more than 50 authors, represents the first comprehensive survey of the chemistry and biology of the set of molecules known as peptide growth factors. Although there have been many symposia on this topic, and numerous publications of reviews dealing with selected subsets of growth factors, the entired field has never been covered in a single treatise. It is essential to do this at the present time, as the number of journal articles on peptide growth factors now makes it almost im anyone person to stay informed on this subject by reading the possible for At the same time it is becoming increasingly apparent that primary literature. these substances are of universal importance in biology and medicine and that the original classification of these molecules, based on the laboratory setting of their discovery, as "growth factors," "lymphokines," "cytokines," or "colony-stimulating factors," was quite artifactual; they are in fact the basis of a common language for intercellular communication. As a set they affect es sentially every cell in the body, and in this regard they provide the basis to develop a unified science of cell biology, germane to all of biomedical research.

Prostate Cancer: Biology, Genetics, and the New Therapeutics, Second Edition, reviews new, valuable approaches to the treatment of prostate cancer in men. The latest edition contains new material on molecular imaging, new treatments for prostate cancer, molecular targets, cell signaling pathways, bioinformatics, and pathogenomics. The book details the latest innovations and advances in prostate cancer and may be used as a rapid reference text for readers. The volume profiles the latest advances in cancer research and treatment and includes profound studies in prostate stem cells, cancer-host interactions, hedgehog signaling in development and cancer, cholesterol and cell signaling, gene therapy for advanced prostate cancer, and noninvasive strategies such as molecular imaging to visualize gene expression. This new edition also investigates expression profiling and somatic alterations in prostate cancer progression and linkage studies of prostate cancer families to identify susceptibility genes. The issues of racial differences in prostate cancer mortality, radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer, recombinant antibody candidates for treatment, taxane-based chemotherapy, lethal phenotypes, and novel and efficient translation clinical trials are also presented in great depth. Prostate Cancer: Biology, Genetics, and the New Therapeutics, Second Edition, provides readers with a general reference for prostate cancer from prevention to therapy and will be of value to clinicians, scientists, and administrators who strive to solve the cancer problem.

Reviews the origins of molecular oncology, including technologies for cancer analysis, key pathways in human malignancies, and available pharmacologic therapies.

This topical volume provides an overview of clinically relevant data on anticancer agents. It is not only intended medical doctors working with cancer patients, and for medical researchers and students. The different classes of anticancer drugs are described by international authorities on the various topics. Apart from new targets for anticancer agents, attention is also focused on improving efficacy and tolerability of existing compounds.

Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis and Clinical Management is a 100% clinically-focused guide to bladder cancer, providing practical, modern and evidence-based guidance to the latest in diagnosis and management of the condition. It differs from other books in its complete clinical focus as opposed to a heavy analysis of pathogenesis or basic science. As a result, practicing urologists and oncologists in the clinical setting will find it an essential resource to consult. In addition to the latest in diagnostic tools and imaging methods, core focus is on the management of each form of cancer at its various stages with up to date genomic data and targeted therapies. Both drug therapies and the range of surgical options are covered, ensuring that this is the perfect tool for clinicians to consult when considering which type of management program is appropriate for each individual patient. A key addition is the final section dedicated to optimizing health care delivery, featuring chapters on highly topical issues such as quality of life, patient advocacy and surgical education. Full color throughout, and packed with excellent images, each chapter contains concise and didactic practical tips and tricks to enrich the reading experience, in addition to management algorithms and the very latest guidelines from the ASCO, AUA, ESMO and EAU concerning clinical management of bladder cancer.

Preface from the first edition (1996): "The world of modern science is undergoing a number of spectacular events that are redefining our understanding of ourselves. As with any revolution, we should take stock of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. Our special world of bone biology is participating in and taking advantage of the larger global revolution in modern science... we assembled experts from all over the world and asked them to focus on the current state of knowledge and the prospects for new knowledge in their area of expertise. To this end, Principles of Bone Biology was conceived." - John P. Bilezikian, Lawrence G. Raisz, Gideon A. Rodan Praise for the previous edition: "Students, teachers, and practitioners will benefit from reading it, and investigators will use it as a reference work; it will certainly be consulted frequently." --The New England Journal of Medicine For over two decades, "Big Gray" has been the go-to repository of knowledge in the disciplines related to bone and mineral metabolism. The fourth edition is a must-have for students new to the field; young investigators at the graduate or postgraduate level beginning their research careers; established scientists who need to keep up with the changing nature of the field, looking to enrich their own research programs, or who are changing their career direction; clinicians who want ready access to up-to-date relevant basic science. This new edition builds on the successful formula from previous editions, taking the reader from the basic elements of fundamental research to the most sophisticated concepts in therapeutics. Principles of Bone Biology, Fourth Edition provides the most comprehensive, authoritative reference on the study of bone biology and related diseases. Bone research continues to generate enormous attention, due to the broad public health implications of osteoporosis and related bone disorders. This classic, fully updated, two volume reference is designed for anyone involved in the study of bone biology. - Provides a "one-stop" shopping paradise. Anything you want to find about bone biology is here and written by the world's experts - THE essential resource for anyone involved in the study of the skeleton and metabolic bone diseases - Covers everything from the basic scientific concepts to the underlying principles of therapeutics and management - Allows readers to easily search and locate information quickly in the online format - Volumes include: Basic Principles; Molecular Mechanisms of Metabolic Bone Disease; Pharmacological Mechanisms of Therapeutics; Methods in Bone Research