Main description:

This volume explores the latest developments in a novel area of molecular biology and a hot topic in the field of oncology: cancer stem cells. These chapters from expert contributing authors present concepts such as the universal stem cell, new molecular pathways, new targeted agents, the different roles that cancer stem cells seem to have according to the organ they are placed in, and the future role that targeting cancer stem cells may have in the management of patients in the clinic.

Exploring the latest research including new data from randomized trials, this book examines important proposals over the origin of cancer stem cells such as the possibility that cancer stem cells may arise from mutated stem cells or a fully differentiated cell that may undergo several mutations that drive it back to a stem-like state. The authors consider the role that stem cells seem to have in the onset, development and resistance to classical antitumoral treatments of cancer and discuss possible potential future treatment modalities for the management of advanced cancer patients.

The question, "Are stem cells involved in cancer?" may not have a simple answer, but ongoing investigations, in-depth consideration and a broad spectrum of information can be found in this book, allowing the reader to arrive at his or her own answer.

This book will appeal to researchers in the field of oncology and cancer research and biomedical scientists with an interest in stem cells.

Contents:

Foreword Stem Cells in Cancer
Dr. Jesus Garcia Foncillas

Chapter 1 The universal stem cell: does it exist?
Dr. Guadalupe Aparicio and cols.

Chapter 2 What is the meaning of Notch pathway and how we can selectively do the targeting
Dr. Jorge Barriuso and cols.

Chapter 3 Hedhehog as a new paradigm in cancer treatment Stem cells in cancer: should we believe or not?
Dr. Pere Gascon and cols.

Chapter 4 Wnt pathway at a glance: from the deep of the crypts to the current ways of targeting
Dr. Alberto Munoz Terol and cols.

Chapter 5 Cancer Stem Cells in Brest Cancer
Dr. Ana LLuch and cols.

Chapter 6 Cancer Stem Cells in Colon Cancer
Dr. Esther Una and cols.

Chapter 7 Cancer Stem Cells in Genitourinary Cancer
Dr. Luis Leon and cols.

Chapter 8 Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Jorge Guadarrama and cols.

Chapter 9 Cancer Stem Cells in Gastric Cancer
Dr. Jose David Gomez Rangel and cols.

Chapter 10 Cancer Stem Cells in Melanoma
Dr. Ainara Soria

Chapter 11 Cancer Stem Cells in Brain Tumors
Dr. Fernando Hurtado de Mendoza and cols.

Chapter 12 Cancer Stem Cells in Sarcomas
Dr. Andres Cardona and cols.

Chapter 13 Cancer Stem Cells in Gynecologic Tumors
Dr. Juan Carlos Mellidez and cols.