In recent years, increasing evidence has suggested that abnormal activation of signaling pathways is a critical event in cancer pathogenesis. In particular, activation of these pathways can lead to inappropriate cellular survival, proliferation, pluripotency, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms by which signaling pathways become subverted in a cancer cell can provide insight into critical events in cancer pathogenesis. Furthermore, as our ability to target specific molecular interactions advances, we now have the ability to design small molecules, protein therapeutics, and other forms of targeted therapies. By focusing on the specific molecular abnormalities in a cancer cell, these agents hold the potential to be much more effective and much less toxic than current cytotoxic therapies.

Cancer Stem Cells and Signaling Pathways explores the mechanism of cancer stem cell signaling pathways in cancer advancement, serving as an ideal reference guide for investigators with valuable answers to problems associated with anti-cancer treatments and an understanding of the crosstalk among the signaling pathways in CSC regulation. Despite recent advances in tumor therapy and a greater understanding of their biology, tumors continue to be a prevalent and fatal worldwide. According to a novel paradigm in tumor biology, a small percentage of the cells within a tumor known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) are predicted as a crucial population for tumor progression. - Presents cancer stem characteristics and their signaling pathways - Highlights the use of animal models for cancer research, the use of genetically modified stem cells to deliver antitumor agents, and the significance of stem cell signaling in drug discovery - Covers basic and translational research appropriate for scientists and clinicians exploring alternative treatments for various cancers

It is well known that the immune microenvironment is critical to the progression of genitourinary malignancies and benign diseases. A variety of cellular and molecular properties of the immune microenvironment may influence disease outcome by altering the balance of suppressive versus inflammatory or cytotoxic responses. Emerging evidence suggests that immunoediting is a key factor of phenotypic change, immunological alterations caused by physical activity or drug treatments could promote antitumor or anti-inflammatory activity. Conversely, microenvironment deficits or dysregulation can instigate or worsen pathological progression, thereby contributing to urinary disease development and progression. Thus, understanding how immune microenvironments react and maintain appropriate antitumor or anti-inflammatory responses is important for identifying actionable therapies to improve genitourinary health. Recent technological developments, particularly in the areas of genetic modification and redox indicators, provide hopeful new treatments not only in urinary cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, relatively rare adrenocortical cancer, and penile cancer but also in begin diseases like kidney stones and kidney injuries. The purpose of this topic is to provide up-to-date reviews and original articles that highlight research on immunological mediators of tumor progression and inflammatory-related genitourinary diseases, which we hope will not only integrate our current understanding but crystallize nascent questions that will help move the field forward. This research topic aims to inspire novel insights into the immunity mechanisms, novel therapeutic targets, and effective combinational strategies of urinary immunotherapies.

The cellular signaling network refers to the complex system formed by the interactions between various signaling molecules and receptors within and between cells. It consists of multiple signaling pathways that mediate intricate cellular interactions both internally and externally. The development of cancer is closely associated with the intricate signaling transduction network within cells, where multiple signaling pathways are interconnected and collectively regulate the biological phenotypes of tumor cells.

In the post-genomic era, cancer is a genetic disease. However, cancer genotype does not always equal cancer phenotype. Cancers with the same genetic abnormalities don’t always behave the same. Understanding and eradicating cancers will require an appreciation for cancer’s ecology. This book is the first to comprehensively explore and critically appraise cancer microenvironments and host interactions with an eye towards exploiting our understanding for new treatments. The team of contributors share amongst them impressive experiences at the laboratory bench and in the clinic. These physician-scientists have dedicated themselves to the tension between the urgency for cures and the technical challenges of discovery. The target audience includes clinical oncologists, clinical hematologists, research oncologists, research hematologists, immunologists, stem cell researchers, oncology and hematology fellows (trainees), oncology educators (graduate and undergraduate levels), and course book for graduate students and undergraduate students.

This book discusses properties of apoptosis and other cell death modalities in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Its nine chapters discuss modulation of anti-tumor inflammatory and immune responses, effects on the tumor microenvironment, to strategies for improving pro-apoptotic therapies, mechanisms and implications for disease pathogenesis, axl and mer receptor tyrosine kinases, immunogenic apoptotic cell death and anti-cancer immunity and cancer cell death-inducing radiotherapy. This book places the onco-biology of apoptosis in clear and objective perspective through an expertly synthesized series of reviews. Apoptosis in Cancer Pathogenesis and Anti-cancer Therapy is a deft and thorough exploration of cutting-edge research in apoptosis and anti-cancer mechanisms from basic biology to oncology. It highlights a rapidly growing field within cancer research and is essential reading for oncologists, biochemists and advanced graduate students alike.

This book comprehensively reviews the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to anticancer therapies. The initial chapters examine the methods and procedure of the detection, isolation, and characterization of CSCs. It also introduces various epigenetic pathways that contribute to cancer initiation and tumorigenesis, particularly regarding the maintenance and survival of CSCs. It also explores the role of CSCs metabolism and the mechanisms of metabolic plasticity of CSCs in cancer biology. Further, it also presents the implications of CSCs on the origin of tumor heterogeneity and on heterogeneity of the therapeutic response. Towards the end, this book highlights the different immunotherapeutic approaches targeting CSCs with the potential of strongly improving cancer outcomes. This book offers a broad framework to scientists and clinicians into the state-of-the-art knowledge on cancer stem cell biology and highlights their therapeutic implications. ​

Delve into the intricate world of ampullary cancer with our comprehensive treatise, 'Comprehensive Insights into Ampullary Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Patient-Centered Care.' This meticulously crafted exploration offers a deep and holistic understanding of ampullary cancer, a complex malignancy originating at the junction of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. The treatise begins by defining and classifying ampullary cancer, providing a solid foundation for readers. Epidemiology and incidence are thoroughly examined, shedding light on the prevalence and distribution of this rare but clinically significant disease. As we navigate through the chapters, attention is devoted to unraveling the intricate web of risk factors, genetic predispositions, and the clinical presentation of ampullary cancer. Embarking on a journey into the anatomy and biochemistry of ampullary cancer, readers gain insights into morphological structures, functional significance, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, neural innervation, and the role of the ampulla in digestive processes. The treatise then delves into the cellular pathways, genetic mutations, tumor microenvironment, immune system interactions, and the role of inflammation in ampullary cancer progression.