An explosion of information has occurred since scientists began to define the molecular events that describe the malignant transformation and progression of cells and their development towards a life-threatening metastatic disease. The First International Congress on Molecular Staging of Cancer, held in Munich in December 2001, aimed to establish an international platform of exchange among molecular biologists, cell biologists, tumor immunologists, and clinical and surgical oncologists. This network approach should be fruitful for both clinicians and researchers. The highlighted topics included tumor-associated proteolysis, minimal residual disease, new approaches for molecular diagnosis and targeting, and the first molecular staging models. One session focused on technology transfer, opening up a new field of funding for innovative concepts. Finally, the impact of molecular staging on clinical strategies was discussed.

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.

This book, now published in its second edition, covers a wide range of topics relating to the use of radiopharmaceuticals. The basics of nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, and radiopharmacology are considered in detail, regulatory issues are reviewed, and potential applications in drug development, translational medicine, clinical diagnostics, and targeted therapy are discussed. Compared with the first edition, the chapters on targeted therapy with alpha- and beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and theranostics are completely new. Other chapters have been updated and revised as necessary. Radioisotope-based molecular imaging probes (radiopharmaceuticals) provide unprecedented insights into biochemistry and function in both normal and diseased states of living systems, with unbiased in vivo measurements of regional radiotracer activities offering very high specificity and sensitivity. No other molecular imaging technology, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, can provide such high sensitivity and specificity at a tracer level. This book, written by an experienced radiochemist and scientist, offers valuable insights into the full range of applications of this technology.

This updated issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, edited by Martin H. Bluth, will focus on Molecular Pathology. Topics include, but are not limited to, The Impact of Molecular Pathology on the Practice of Pathology; Molecular pathology techniques; Clinical Implication of MicroRNAs in Molecular Pathology; Diagnostic Molecular Microbiology; Molecular Pathology in Transfusion Medicine; Molecular Diagnosis of Hematopoietic Neoplasms; Molecular Diagnostics in Colorectal Carcinoma; Molecular Diagnostics in the Neoplasms of Small Intestine and Appendix; Molecular Diagnostics in Esophageal and Gastric Neoplasms; Molecular Diagnostics in the Neoplasms of the Pancreas, Liver, Gall Bladder, and Extrahepatic Biliary Tract; Current Applications of Molecular Genetic Technologies to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms; Breast Carcinoma; and Gynecologic Cancers.

This authoritative textbook embodies the current standard in molecular testing for practicing pathologists, and residents and fellows in training. The text is organized into eight sections: genetics, inherited cancers, infectious disease, neoplastic hematopathology, solid tumors, HLA typing, identity testing, and laboratory management. Discussion of each diagnostic test includes its clinical significance, available assays, quality control and lab issues, interpretation, and reasons for testing. Coverage extends to HIV, hepatitis, developmental disorders, bioterrorism, warfare organisms, lymphomas, breast cancer and melanoma, forensics, parentage, and much more. Includes 189 illustrations, 45 in full-color. This textbook is a classic in the making and a must-have reference.

This book describes the principles and the application of the existing molecular methodology for the detection of early cancer. Discussion focuses on the molecular changes characterizing preneoplastic lesions; molecular targets for early detection; validation of molecular targets; and new diagnostic technology for early detection. The advantages of molecular detection over current methods are examined, as well as the importance of identifying and characterizing preneoplastic lesions. In addition to the uses of highly specific molecular probes to detect early cancer, this book demonstrates the many ways in which molecular markers serve oncology. While meeting pressing needs in the practice of medicine, molecular detection of early cancer scientifically necessitates a confrontation with the biology of cancer, such as the genetic determinants of progression, regression, dormancy, and invasion. This work not only discusses the diagnostic value of these molecular methods but views their practical benefits against a background of conventional morphology.

Molecular pathology has significantly matured over the past decade to establish itself as a discipline in its own right. Patient diagnosis, prognosis, management and care have been influenced by molecular pathology testing algorithms on a global scale. Whether it pertains to carrier status of deleterious genes, diagnosis by molecular techniques, assessment of appropriate remission post treatment, parentage or forensics testing – molecular pathology continues to increase its presence and influence in the diagnostic laboratory armamentarium. Furthermore, intellectualization and proprietization of molecular pathology with respect to the discovery of new genes and or new techniques continues to pose new challenges of test ownership, legalities, liabilities, widespread acceptance and utility. This issue of Laboratory Clinics seeks to provide selective state of the art understanding of molecular pathology with respect to its relationship to key pathology disciplines as well as the current challenges and promise for the future.

Since the first edition of this book in 2012, the field of molecular pathology has expanded exponentially. The advent of complete cancer genome sequencing, new diagnostic molecular tests, and biomarkers for targeted therapy and immunotherapy have demonstrated the importance of molecular tools both in patient care and in the practice of pathology. Furthermore, the development of many new molecular technologies has revolutionized the practice of modern pathology. The rapid growth of this field has led to an expansion of knowledge of molecular processes and many more clinical applications in our daily practice of surgical pathology. Thus, this updated second edition of Molecular Surgical Pathology aims to serve as the best available “quick reference” for pathologists, oncologists, geneticists, primary care physicians, and other medical professionals with an interest in this specialty. Molecular Surgical Pathology 2nd Edition focuses on the practical utility of molecular techniques and on molecular biomarkers for the practicing surgical pathologist. The emphasis is on the impact of molecular pathology for tumor classification, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, as well as its implications for patient management and personalized care. This concise overview of molecular surgical pathology and molecular classification of tumors of different organ sites will help not only practicing physicians, but also those in training, including residents and fellows in various disciplines.

The purpose of this textbook is to meticulously depict all aspects of chest tumors in a comprehensive volume format that encompasses their biology, clinical presentation and management. It is the only book to do this. Chapters of specific interest have also been included to cover such wide-ranging topics as management of the elderly and chemoprevention, along with ethical, social and financial issues associated with such tumors. All participating authors, selected from an international panel of highly regarded scientists currently pioneering lung cancer research, are major contributors in the area of expertise they have been chosen to present.