This book covers important biological, immunological, and molecular information essential for understanding the rationale and results of experiments and clinical observations on cell-cell and cell substrate adhesion; hydrolytic activities, cell motility; immunological and other host elements of the host-tumor ecosystem (at different sites of the metastic process); genetic and epigenetic elements of the acquisition and the expression of invasive phenotypes. 38 tables and 60 computer-drawn figures provide comprehensive overviews, and a methodological chapter emphasizing the differences and similarities between assays and their relevance for natural situations has also been included. Clinical and experimental cancer researchers, as well as as post-graduate students interested in cancer research, will find this book to be an indispensable reference resource.

Cancer Morbidity and mortality result from invasive and metastatic spread. Currently, no therapies are aimed at the underlying mechanisms that enable this progression due to only nascent recognition of the distinct biology which occurs only during tumor dissemination. Recent advances have highlighted the central role of cell motility during the dynamic and transient process of tumor invasion and metastasis. This book includes state-of-the-art updates by international leaders in these studies. Chapters first present the novel model systems that enable new investigations and insights. Chapters then describe in depth the key processes and molecules that may be therapeutically targeted. Finally, the role of cell motility and its signals is explored in a number of key tumor types. This compilation should be useful to researchers in basic and translational oncology as well as those developing novel agents to prevent tumor invasion and metastasis.

Within the last decade the molecular biology of tumor models has revealed the identification of several metastasis- related molecules. These volumes attempt to review the most recent approaches of their mechanisms, regulation and way to treat their malignant alterations. The first volume covers the presentation of proteases and inhibitors and their role in invasion of tumor cells, also cell adhesion molecules and their interaction with the extracellular matrix. In the second volume the regulation of tumor progression and angiogenesis by cytokines, growth factors and motility factors is outlined. The third volume deals with detection of micrometastases and therapeutic approaches, such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, chemotherapy and surgical strategies to combat metastatic spread.

Spheroid Culture in Cancer Research describes the various techniques now available for establishing spheroid tissue culture, including spheroid culture from normal tissues and from tumor cell lines. The book also describes how the spheroid system can be used to study interactions between normal and malignant cells. Microenvironmental conditions in spheroids and how this micromilieu may promote cellular heterogeneity and histiotypic structures not observed in corresponding monolayer cultures are discussed. The biological importance of oxygen tension, pH gradients, diffusions of nutrients, and cell-cell communication in spheroids are also examined. The book will be profoundly important to researchers in experimental chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and hyperthermia.

Metastatic dissemination of cancer is a main cause of cancer related deaths, therefore biological mechanisms implicated in metastatic process presents an essential object of cancer research. This research requires creation and utilization of adequate laboratory models. The book describes main approaches to model processes of metastatic cancer dissemination and metastases development. The book is structured in according with various metastatic pathways reflecting molecular specificity of metastatic process as well as anatomical specificity of aria of dissemination. Each chapter is introduced by short discussion of clinical aspects of certain metastatic pathway. Especial attention is paid for methods of visualization, quantification and analysis of the modeled metastases. Additional chapter is devoted to methods of mathematic modeling of tumor spread. The data presented in the book may be helpful for cancer researchers and oncologists.

Cancer research is now an interdisciplinary effort requiring a basic knowledge of commonly used terms, facts, issues, and concepts. This interdisciplinary book meets this need, providing an authoritative overview to the field. It presents many of the molecules and mechanisms generally important in human cancers and examines a broad, but exemplary, selection of cancers. In addition, cancer research has now reached a critical stage, in which the accumulated knowledge on molecular mechanisms is gradually translated into improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This book summarizes the state, pitfalls, and potential of these efforts.