Colorectal Cancer Molecular Mechanisms Premalignant State And Its Prevention

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of tumour-associated death in Western countries, and its incidence has been increasing in recent decades. The most important determinant for the course of the disease is tumour stage at the time of diagnosis. The detection of molecular changes in tumour tissue and in benign adenomatous polyps has improved our knowledge of colorectal carcinogenesis. Diseases with a high risk for malignant transformation, as well as family predisposition as an independent risk factor, have been identified. Furthermore, dietary and environmental factors, together with the intake of aspirin and other NSAIDs, influence tumor development. This implies new ways of specific testing for early diagnosis and new prevention strategies based on endoscopy and drug therapy. The main topics of this book, the proceedings of the international Falk Symposium No. 109, held in Titisee, Germany, on October 14-15, 1998, are molecular mechanisms, premalignant state and prevention. State-of-the-art chapters deliver the latest scientific developments on every topic, followed by more detailed chapters on specific items.

The Eighth Annual Research Conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research, held in Washington, D.C., September 3-4, 1998, was on the subject "Colon Cancer Prevention: Dietary Modulation of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms," with participants representing various disciplines interested in this area. One of the speak ers provided an appropriate quote from 17th century physician Thomas Adams: "Pre vention is better than healing because it saves the labor of being sick," which aptly describes the need for the prevention of cancer. An overview of normal and abnormal colonic development emphasized that although the typical human colon undergoes 1013 cell divisions by age 60, with the asso ciated possibilities for error, relatively few colon tumors develop. Since dietary modu lation leads to extremely small changes in colonic cells over a long period, animal models are useful to time, observe, and delineate the events associated with colon cancer. In the development colon cancer, the inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) gene is one of the earliest known events. Normally Apc downregulates the cellular protein beta-catenin, but this is lost during cancer development. Beta-catenin may itself be an oncogene; it has a short half-life, but it is stabilized by binding to is more prevalent in the cell nucleus, the gene shuttles caherin. Although the Apc between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

The understanding of the mechanisms that explain the initiation and early evolution of colorectal cancer is evolving. This should facilitate the development of new approaches to effective prevention and intervention. Over the past years, deficiencies in the current adenoma-carcinoma model for colorectal cancer, in which APC mutation is placed at the point of initiation, have been suggested. Several pathways through which cancer may develop seem to exist, such as 'chromosomal instability' (CIN), 'microsatellite instability' (MSI), and most recently the 'serrated pathway' involving epigenetic changes. Parallel to discoveries in molecular pathways are the increased awareness of early and precursor features of the colorectal mucosa detected and treated by endoscopic and minimal-invasive techniques. Thus, new staging and classification systems have been developed to guide the clinician in diagnosis and choice of treatment. This book sets focus on selected clinical and molecular aspects of colorectal precursor lesions; from the endoscopically detected colorectal polyp, major molecular mechanisms, and aspects of protease-systems in colorectal cancer development. Future research on colorectal cancer needs to be stratified according to the appropriate clinical features and their associated genetic pathways involved in order to further explore important molecular mechanisms and clinicopathological consequences of chromosomal, microsatellite and epigenetic mechanisms.

Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies, Volume Eight, summarizes the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in colorectal cancer, along with the most up-to-date therapeutic strategies available. The book discusses reasons why colorectal tumors become refractory during the progression of the disease, but also explains how drug resistance occurs during chemotherapy. In addition, users will find the current therapeutic strategies used by clinicians in their practice in treating colorectal cancer. The combination of conventional anticancer drugs with chemotherapy-sensitizing agents plays a pivotal role in improving the outcome of colorectal cancer patients, in particular those with drug-resistant cancer cells. From a clinical point-of-view, the content of this book provides clinicians with updated therapeutic strategies for a better choice of drugs for drug-resistant colorectal cancer patients. It will be a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists and several members of biomedical field who are dedicated to better treat patients with colorectal cancer. Presents a systemic summary of molecular mechanisms for a quick and in-depth understanding Updates current trends in the field with pioneering information on drug resistance Encompasses both basic and clinical approaches for a better understanding of unsolved problems from a holistic point-of-view

The Eighth Annual Research Conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research, held in Washington, D.C., September 3-4, 1998, was on the subject "Colon Cancer Prevention: Dietary Modulation of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms," with participants representing various disciplines interested in this area. One of the speak ers provided an appropriate quote from 17th century physician Thomas Adams: "Pre vention is better than healing because it saves the labor of being sick," which aptly describes the need for the prevention of cancer. An overview of normal and abnormal colonic development emphasized that although the typical human colon undergoes 1013 cell divisions by age 60, with the asso ciated possibilities for error, relatively few colon tumors develop. Since dietary modu lation leads to extremely small changes in colonic cells over a long period, animal models are useful to time, observe, and delineate the events associated with colon cancer. In the development colon cancer, the inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) gene is one of the earliest known events. Normally Apc downregulates the cellular protein beta-catenin, but this is lost during cancer development. Beta-catenin may itself be an oncogene; it has a short half-life, but it is stabilized by binding to is more prevalent in the cell nucleus, the gene shuttles caherin. Although the Apc between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

The prevention of colorectal cancer is a subject of increasing medical importance, and there have been a number of promising recent developments. This book examines in detail important aspects of the current status and future prospects for chemoprevention of colorectal tumors. Research into the mechanisms that lead from early colorectal adenoma to colorectal cancer is discussed. The role and modes of action of available drugs such as celecoxib and sulindac are described, and recent data from aspirin trials are analyzed. In addition, the possible impact of nutritional agents with anti-inflammatory properties is considered, and strategies applicable in those with a high level of genetic risk are evaluated. An important feature of the book is its holistic perspective, making it relevant for gastroenterologists, internists, general practitioners, oncologists, colorectal and gastroenterological surgeons, and public health practitioners.

Novel Approaches to Colorectal Cancer, Volume 151 in the Advances in Cancer Research series, is composed of 11 reviews covering state-of-the-art research relating to the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. The book's chapters were written by recognized experts in the field, and include sections on molecular biomarkers in diagnosis and therapy, the interplay of diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome, early-age onset disease, mutational signature analysis, challenges in early detection, immunotherapy, organoid technology, the role of epigenetic alterations, disparities in minority populations, field carcinogenesis, and cancer as an evolutionary process. Each of these topics provides novel insights and concepts on various aspects of the nature of colorectal cancer, offering new opportunities for the management of a major source of cancer incidence and mortality. Provides information on the timely nature of the included topics, which represent the most current concepts and approaches in cancer research Offers outstanding and original reviews on colorectal cancer research Provides the authority and expertise of the authors, all of whom are highly recognized and conducting state-of-the-art investigations in cancer, with this release focusing on colorectal cancer

Foundations of Colorectal Cancer provides a holistic and comprehensive dive into colorectal cancer, discussing the contributions of each discipline that studies it, allowing its understanding from the most demographic and ethical facts, to the treatment process, its varieties and genetic background. Written by experts in diverse areas such as cancer research, oncology, genetics, biochemistry, psychology, social sciences, bioinformatics and palliative care, the book brings real-world experiences to help readers with any challenge they may face when dealing with patients or during their research workflow. The content is split into nine sections: Clinical manifestations and disease detection, covering primary and secondary prevention, and the role of primary care; Diagnosis and staging, discussing endoscopy, colonoscopy, molecular pathology, and anatomopathological diagnosis; Treatment, including endoscopic, surgical, radiological, and postoperative approaches; Molecular and biological mechanisms, with the role of intestinal microbiota, stem cells and signaling pathways; New diagnostic methods, encompassing biomarkers and bioinformatics tools for research; Biobanks, with an overview of their regulations and importance in the research; Epidemiological studies, focusing on incidence and mortality globally and by regions; Hereditary colorectal cancer, differentiating nonpolyposis and polyposis types; and Addressing the consequences of colorectal cancer, covering psychological effects, nutrition and ethical issues. Provides a multidisciplinary approach with a holistic view of colorectal cancer, ranging from basic science to population studies, with its social and environmental influences and impacts, interpreting the disease as a medical, chemical, physical, microbial, psychological, and social condition Written by a diverse group of specialists with complementary expertise, including oncologists, radiologists, biochemists, surgeons, psychologists, social workers and clinicians, all members of the Galician Research Network of Colorectal Cancer (REGICC) with vast collaboration experience to bring comprehensive knowledge on the subject Encompasses reliable information suitable for different workers within the healthcare sector and research community dedicated to colorectal cancer, from clinicians and healthcare providers, researchers on several aspects of cancer, to bioinformaticians who deal with health data Includes many case studies throughout the chapters discussed by specialists with high scientific accuracy and didactic value, in order to clearly and precisely share their professional experience on the subject with readers