In the last decade there has been an explosion of interest in viral therapies for cancer. Viral agents have been developed that are harmless to normal tissues but selectively able to kill cancer cells. These agents have been endowed with additional selectivity and potency through genetic manipulation. Increasingly these viruses are undergoing evaluation in clinical trials, both as single agents and in combination with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This book provides a comprehensive yet succinct overview of the current status of viral therapy of cancer. Chapters coherently present the advances made with individual agents and review the biological and clinical background to a range of viral therapies: structured to proceed from basic science at the bench to the patient’s bedside, they give an up-to-date and realistic evaluation of a therapy’s potential utility for the cancer patient. Presents state of the art knowledge on how viruses can be, and have been, used in novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer Describes the use of viruses as oncolytic agents, killing cells directly Editors are experts in the field, with experience of both laboratory and clinical research Viral Therapy of Cancer is essential reading for both basic scientists and clinicians with an interest in viral therapy and gene therapy.

Gene therapy as a treatment for cancer is at a critical point in its evolution. Exciting new developments in gene targeting and vector technology, coupled with results from the first generation of preclinical and clinical studies have led to the design and testing of new therapeutic approaches. The Third Edition of Gene Therapy of Cancer provides crucial updates on the basic and applied sciences of gene therapy. It offers a comprehensive assessment of the field including the areas of suicide gene therapy, oncogene and suppressor gene targeting, immunotherapy, drug resistance gene therapy, and the genetic modification of stem cells. Researchers at all levels of development, from basic laboratory investigators to clinical practitioners, will find this book to be instructive. Cancer gene therapy, like cancer therapy in general, is evolving rapidly, testing new concepts, targets and pathways, evoking new technologies, and passing new regulatory hurdles. Its essence, however, has not changed: the hope and challenges of returning altered genes to normal, using targeted gene expression to alter the function of both tumor and microenvironment, and in some cases normal cells, and delivering functionally important genes to specific cell types to increase sensitivity to killing or to protect normal cells from cancer therapies. In some instances, gene therapy for cancer forms a continuum from gene repair through the use of molecularly modified cells; the use of viral and non-viral vector based gene delivery to both tumor and tumor microenvironment; the use of viral and gene based vaccines; and development of new gene-based therapeutics. The unique mechanistically chosen vector platforms are at the heart of this technology because they allow for direct and selective cell death and transient to sustained delivery of vaccine molecules or molecules that affect the microenvironment, vasculature, or the immune response. - Explains the underlying cancer biology necessary for understanding proposed therapeutic approaches - Presents in-depth description of targeting systems and treatment strategies - Covers the breadth of gene therapy approaches including immunotherapeutic, drug resistance,oncolytic viruses, as well as regulatory perspectives from both the NCI and FDA

Provides expert, state-of-the-art insight into the current progress of viral and non-viral gene therapy Translational medicine has opened the gateway to the era of personalized or precision medicine. No longer a one-size-fits-all approach, the treatment of cancer is now based on an understanding of underlying biologic mechanisms and is increasingly being tailored to the molecular specificity of a tumor. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the pertinent molecular discoveries in the cancer field and explains how these are being used for gene-based cancer therapies. Designed as a volume in the Translational Oncology book series, Cancer Gene Therapy by Viral and Non-viral Vectors deals with the practice of gene-therapy, with reference to vectors for gene expression and gene transfer, as well as viral therapy. It covers the history and current and future applications of gene transfer in cancer, and provides expert insight on the progress of viral and non-viral gene therapy with regard to delivery system, vector design, potential therapeutic genes, and principles and regulations for cancer gene therapy. Presented in three parts, Cancer Gene Therapy by Viral and Non-viral Vectors covers: Delivery Systems • Translational Cancer Research: Gene Therapy by Viral and Non-viral Vectors • Retroviruses for Cancer Therapy • DNA Plasmids for Non-viral Gene Therapy of Cancer • Cancer Therapy with RNAi delivered by Non-viral Membrane/Core Nanoparticles Targeted Expression • Cancer Gene Therapy by Tissue-specific and Cancer-targeting Promptors • MicroRNAs as Drugs and Drug Targets in Cancer Principles of Clinical Trials in Gene Therapy • Regulatory issues for Manufacturers of Viral Vectors and Vector-transduced Cells for Phase I/II Trials • US Regulations Governing Clinical Trials in Gene Therapy • Remaining Obstacles to the Success of Cancer Gene Therapy Focusing on speeding the process in clinical cancer care by bringing therapies as quickly as possible from bench to bedside, Cancer Gene Therapy by Viral and Non-viral Vectors is an absolutely vital book for physicians, clinicians, researchers, and students involved in this area of medicine.

The ability to genetically engineer oncolytic viruses in order to minimize side effects and improve the selective targeting of tumor cells has opened up novel opportunities for treating cancer. Understanding the mechanisms involved and the complex interaction between the viruses and the immune system will undoubtedly help guide the development of new strategies. Theranostic biomarkers to monitor these therapies in clinical trials serve an important need in this innovative field and demand further research.

Cancer continues to be one of the major causes of death throughout the developed world, which has led to increased research on effective treatments. Because of this, in the past decade, rapid progress in the field of cancer treatment has been seen. Recent Advances in Cancer Research and Therapy reviews in specific details some of the most effective and promising treatments developed in research centers worldwide. While referencing advances in traditional therapies and treatments such as chemotherapy, this book also highlights advances in biotherapy including research using Interferon and Super Interferon, HecI based and liposome based therapy, gene therapy, and p53 based cancer therapy. There is also a discussion of current cancer research in China including traditional Chinese medicine. Written by leading scientists in the field, this book provides an essential insight into the current state of cancer therapy and treatment. - Includes a wide range of research areas including a focus on biotherapy and the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies. - Formatted for a broad audience including all working in researching cancer treatments and therapies. - Discusses special traits and results of Chinese cancer research.

Advances in Cancer Research provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. This thematic volume looks at "Applications of viruses for cancer therapy". With outstanding and original reviews, this volume covers topics such as Cancer Terminator Viruses and Approaches for Enhancing Therapeutic Outcomes, esign of improved oncolytic adenoviruses, and Adenovirus-based immunotherapies for cancer. - Provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research - This thematic volume looks at "Applications of viruses for cancer therapy" - Outstanding and original reviews

Oncogenic Viruses: Medical Applications of Viral Oncology Research, Volume Two builds on the introductory overview of Volume One, Oncogenic Viruses: Fundamentals of Oncogenic Viruses. It looks at recent advances and medical application of research studies on oncoviruses, including examining oncoviruses on a molecular level, covers diagnostic and prognostic viral biomarkers and identifying biomarkers in specific human cancers, and delves into prevention, treatment and the future of cancer therapy of oncoviruses, antiviral activities and vaccination strategies. Advanced topics and the future direction of oncovirology round out the book. This book is a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners engaged in learning more about the role of oncogenic viruses in the pathogenesis of human cancers and how that information can be applied to identify strategies for prevention and treatment. - Explores the biology of oncoviruses and mechanisms of action on a cellular level - Examines recent advances in oncoviruses prevention and curative treatments - Discusses the use of modeling and bioinformatics in research studies on oncoviruses

A complete introduction and guide to the latest developments in cancer gene therapy-from bench to bedside. The authors comprehensively review the anticancer genes and gene delivery methods currently available for cancer gene therapy, including the transfer of genetic material into the cancer cells, stimulation of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and the targeting of the nonmalignant stromal cells that support their growth. They also thoroughly examine the advantages and limitations of the different therapies and detail strategies to overcome obstacles to their clinical implementation. Topics of special interest include vector-targeting techniques, the lessons learned to date from clinical trials of cancer gene therapy, and the regulatory guidelines for future trials. Noninvasive techniques to monitor the extent of gene transfer and disease regression during the course of treatment are also discussed.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health challenge as the third leading cause for cancer related mortalities worldwide. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients has remained the same over time due to the fact that patients are often diagnosed in advanced metastatic stages. Drug resistance is another common reason for poor prognosis. Researchers are now developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination nanotechnology for drug delivery. In addition, the identification of new biomarkers will potentiate early stage diagnosis. This book is the first of three volumes on recent developments in colorectal diagnosis and therapy. Each volume can be read on its own, or together. Each volume focuses on different novel therapeutic advances, biomarkers, and identifies therapeutic targets for treatment. Written by leading international experts in the field, coverage also addresses the role of diet habits and lifestyle in reducing gastrointestinal disorders and incidence of CRC. Chapters discuss current and future diagnostic and therapeutic options for colorectal cancer patients, focusing on immunotherapeutic, nanomedicine, biomarkers, and dietary factors for the effective management of colon cancer.

This book is the first to summarize the molecular principles of modern viral therapy for cancer. It reviews many of the replication-competent viruses currently being investigated for therapeutic use including herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, reovirus, parvovirus, vaccinia virus and Newcastle disease virus, and demonstrates how this approach is being translated to the clinic. Illustrating how virus-host interactions can be exploited for therapy, this book opens up new and promising perspectives for the treatment of cancer. It is therefore recommended reading for clinical investigators in the field of oncology, virologists, cancer immunologists and scientists working in regulatory agencies.