The book explores cutting-edge strategies to overcome proteasome inhibitor resistance, including the second generation 20S proteasome inhibitors, novel combinational therapies, and new targets in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (e.g., ubiquitin E3 ligases, deubiquitinases, 19S proteasomal ATPases, histone deacetylases, oxidative stress and proteotoxic stress pathways and pharmacogenomic signature profiling) in resistant cancer cells. The mechanisms of action and resistance of proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib in human cancers, including multiple myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, acute leukemia, and solid tumors are explored in depth in this volume. This timely volume unveils the most current discoveries of the mechanisms behind proteasome inhibitor resistance, which will help illuminate the future of cancer therapies.

A panel of leading academic and pharmaceutical investigators takes stock of the remarkable work that has been accomplished to date with proteasome inhibitors in cancer, and examines emerging therapeutic possibilities. The topics range from a discussion of the chemistry and cell biology of the proteasome and the rationale for proteasome inhibitors in cancer to a review of current clinical trials underway. The discussion of rationales for testing proteasome inhibitors in cancer models covers the role of the proteasome in NF-kB activation, the combining of conventional chemotherapy and radiation with proteasome inhibition, notably PS-341, new proteasome methods of inhibiting viral maturation, and the role of protesome inhibition in the treatment of AIDS. The authors also document the development of bortezomib (VelcadeTM) in Phase I clinical trials and in a multicentered Phase II clinical trials in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma.

This book represents an up-dated summary of the state of the art of the characterization of cancer stem cell/ cancer initiating cell (CSC/CIC) properties. An overview of the definition and biological properties of CSCs/CICs as well as the role of these cells in determining the resistance to standard and immune-based therapies is provided. It also discusses limitations in the achievement of a definitive biological characterization of CSCs/CICs due to their high extent of plasticity and heterogeneity that is also mutually driven by the interaction of these cells with the tumor microenvironment. The limitations in targeting CSCs/CICs with immunotherapy are also explained together with explorative combination approaches that could increase the susceptibility of these cells to the recognition by immune cells. This book is conceived for a broad audience, including students, teachers, scientific experts. The critical revision of available results in terms of immunological profile of CSCs/CICs and the efficacy in targeting these cells by immunological approaches, results in a comprehensive and up to date recapitulation of the field and provides interesting suggestions on how to focus future investigations in order to assess the role of CSCs/CICs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers of responsiveness to therapies for cancer patients.

2015 BMA Medical Book Awards Highly Commended in Oncology Category!The Molecular Basis of Cancer arms you with the latest knowledge and cutting-edge advances in the battle against cancer. This thoroughly revised, comprehensive oncology reference explores the scientific basis for our current understanding of malignant transformation and the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease. A team of leading experts thoroughly explains the molecular biologic principles that underlie the diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions now being used in clinical trials and practice. Detailed descriptions of topics from molecular abnormalities in common cancers to new approaches for cancer therapy equip you to understand and apply the complexities of ongoing research in everyday clinical application. - Effectively determine the course of malignancy and design appropriate treatment protocols by understanding the scientific underpinnings of cancer. - Visually grasp and retain difficult concepts easily thanks to a user-friendly format with abundant full-color figures. - Find critical information quickly with chapters following a logical sequence that moves from pathogenesis to therapy. - Stay current with the latest discoveries in molecular and genomic research. Sweeping revisions throughout include eight brand-new chapters on: Tumor Suppressor Genes; Inflammation and Cancer; Cancer Systems Biology: The Future; Biomarkers Assessing Risk of Cancer; Understanding and Using Information About Cancer Genomes; The Technology of Analyzing Nucleic Acids in Cancer; Molecular Abnormalities in Kidney Cancer; and Molecular Pathology. - Access the entire text and illustrations online, fully searchable, at Expert Consult.

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.

Reviews our current understanding of the role of protein oxidation in aging and age-related diseases Protein oxidation is at the core of the aging process. Setting forth a variety of new methods and approaches, this book helps researchers conveniently by exploring the aging process and developing more effective therapies to prevent or treat age-related diseases. There have been many studies dedicated to the relationship between protein oxidation and age-related pathology; now it is possible for researchers and readers to learn new techniques as utilizing protein oxidation products as biomarkers for aging. Protein Oxidation and Aging begins with a description of the tremendous variety of protein oxidation products. Furthermore, it covers: Major aspects of the protein oxidation process Cellular mechanisms for managing oxidized proteins Role of protein oxidation in aging Influence of genetic and environmental factors on protein oxidation Measuring protein oxidation in the aging process Protein oxidation in age-related diseases References at the end of each chapter serve as a gateway to the growing body of original research studies and reviews in the field.

Plant polyphenols are secondary metabolites that constitute one of the most common and widespread groups of natural products. They express a large and diverse panel of biological activities including beneficial effects on both plants and humans. Many polyphenols, from their structurally simplest representatives to their oligo/polymeric versions (also referred to as vegetable tannins) are notably known as phytoestrogens, plant pigments, potent antioxidants, and protein interacting agents. Sponsored by the scholarly society Groupe Polyphénols, this publication, which is the fourth volume in this highly regarded Recent Advances in Polyphenol Research series, is edited by Annalisa Romani, Vincenzo Lattanzio, and Stéphane Quideau. They have once again, like their predecessors, put together an impressive collection of cutting-edge chapters written by expert scientists, internationally respected in their respective field of polyphenol sciences. This Volume 4 highlights some of the latest information and opinion on the following major research topics about polyphenols: Biosynthesis and genetic manipulation Ecological role of polyphenols in plant defense Actions of polyphenols in human health protection Physical organic chemistry and organic synthesis Chemists, biochemists, plant scientists, pharmacognosists and pharmacologists, biologists, ecologists, food scientists and nutritionists will all find this book an invaluable resource. Libraries in all universities and research institutions where these disciplines are studied and taught should have copies on their bookshelves.