Neuro-Oncology Part I Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series

Handbook of Clinical Neurology: Neuro-Oncology, Part I summarizes the present state of scientific and clinical knowledge in the field of neuro-oncology, including information related to diagnostic techniques such as imaging, along with immunology, molecular biology, and clinical aspects of tumors. Management and new therapeutic strategies for tumors, including gene therapy and molecularly targeted treatments, are also covered.

Divided into eight sections encompassing 61 chapters, the book begins with an overview of the basic principles of tumors, including the epidemiology of primary central nervous system tumors, angiogenesis and invasion in cancer, the link between blood-brain barrier and brain edema, and the role of stem cells in gliomas. It proceeds with a discussion of diagnostic tools such as neuroimaging, the principles of tumor therapy such as radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and clinical trials in neuro-oncology. The reader is also introduced to specific tumor types such as low-grade gliomas, anaplastic astrocytomas, and medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, along with rare brain tumors like neurofibromatosis and other genetic syndromes. Furthermore, the book explains the neurological complications of systemic cancer and complications from treatments.

This volume will appeal to clinicians and neuroscientists as well as researchers who want to gain a better understanding of the clinical features and management of the neurological manifestations of tumors.

Section 1 Basic principles 1. Epidemiology of primary central nervous system tumors 2. Molecular biology of brain tumors 3. Angiogenesis and invasion in cancer 4. Immunology of brain tumors 5. Blood–brain barrier and brain edema 6. Stem cells in gliomas

Section 2 Diagnostic tools 7. Diagnostic neuropathology of tumors of the central nervous system 8. Neuroimaging 9. Functional imaging in brain surgery 10. Imaging brain tumors with PET, SPECT, and ultrasonography 11. CSF and laboratory analysis (tumor markers) 12. Electrophysiology and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring 13. Evaluation and monitoring of peripheral nerve function 14. Evaluation of cognitive functions and quality of life

Section 3 Principles of therapy 15. Principles of brain tumor surgery 16. Radiotherapy 17. Chemotherapy with cytotoxic and cytostatic agents in brain cancer 18. Molecularly targeted therapy in neuro-oncology 19. Inhibiting angiogenesis in malignant gliomas 20. Immunotherapy of brain tumors 21. Gene therapy 22. Chemotherapy for brain tumors with polymer drug delivery 23. Convection-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain 24. Management of cognitive deficits and mood disturbance 25. Steroids and brain tumors 26. Seizure control in brain tumors 27. Cancer pain management and palliative care 28. Clinical trials in neuro-oncology

• An invaluable resource that includes critical, in-depth insights into recent developments in neuro-oncology
• A fresh perspective on molecular biology, immunology, and other clinical aspects of tumors of the nervous system
• Extensive coverage of tumor management and new therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and molecularly targeted treatments
• New tactics and therapies that will aid clinicians in their quest to provide optimal care for their neuro-oncological patients