Main description:

The series, Hormones in Health and Disease, was launched in 1993 to provide a scientific platform for investigators engaged in research on the biological actions of hormones and to anticipate relevance for their findings in clinical applications. The first volume of the series was dedicated to the discussion and understanding of molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones influence target cells in normal and pathological conditions. With the diversity of information and the vast amount of literature on steroid hormone physiology, a more thorough treatment of Hormones and Cancer was identified as a timely topic. In this second volume in the series, Dr. Wayne V. Vedeckis has success fully undertaken the monumental task of editing the findings of the leading investigators in hormone and cancer research. Dr. Vedeckis brings to this project two decades of research experience in hormone action; he is actively engaged in elucidating hormone and cancer interrelations. It is a pleasure to welcome him to the series as an editor and congratulate him and all contribu tors in presenting this comprehensive treatise. The 20 chapters include discussions on contemporary topics relating control of cell division and signal transduction to the basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis by cloning patient genes, and recognizing the importance of steroid receptors in treatment protocols of various endocrine abnormalities.

Contents:

I: Underlying Mechanisms and Principles.- 1. Neoplastic Transformation: Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, Cyclins, and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases.- 2. TGF-? Inhibition of Intestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation: G1 Cyclins, Cyclin Dependent Kinases, and Cyclin Kinase Inhibitors.- 3. RET Proto-Oncogene and Its Role in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia and Medullary Thyroid Cancer.- 4. The Nuclear Hormone Receptor Superfamily: Structure and Function.- 5. Retinoids: Concepts for Separation of Desirable and Undesirable Effects in the Treatment or Prevention of Cancer.- II: Breast Cancer.- 6. Clinical Aspects of Breast Cancer.- 7. The Genetics of Breast Cancer.- 8. Growth Factors and Modulation of Endocrine Response in Breast Cancer.- 9. Role of Altered Estrogen Receptors in Breast Cancer.- 10. Progestins, Progesterone Receptors, and Breast Cancer.- 11. Molecular, Cellular, and Systemic Mechanisms of Antiestrogen Action.- 12. Aromatase Inhibitors and Breast Cancer.- III: Prostate Cancer.- 13. Current Concepts in the Treatment of Cancer of the Prostate.- 14. Tumor Suppressor Genes and Oncogenes in Human Prostate Cancer.- 15. Prostatic Growth Factors, Cancer, and Steroid Hormone Activity.- 16. Androgen Receptors in Human Prostate Cancer: Heterogeneous Expression, Gene Mutations, and Polymorphic Variants.- IV: Hematological Malignancies.- 17. Basic and Clinical Studies of Glucocorticosteroid Receptors in Lymphoid Malignancies.- 18. Glucocorticoid Actions on Normal and Neoplastic Lymphocytes: Activation of Apoptosis.- 19. Clinical Aspects of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia and Response to Retinoid Therapy.- 20. Molecular Biology of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.- Keyword Index.