The oncological pathology is a growing diagnostic and therapeutic area that affects an increasing number of individuals and, implicitly, becomes more and more important for other medical and surgical specialities that get in contact with the oncological patient.
There is a general consensus that cancer is a pathology with genetic mechanisms caused by the accumulating alterations in the somatic cell genome that underlie tumor progression. In recent years, progress and increased access to DNA sequencing technologies have opened a new era in molecular medicine and have revolutionized the oncology field. Thus, we are witnessing the redefinition of tumor taxonomy and the transition of classified histology to the one based on genetic mutations. In this respect, the identification of specific DNA mutations, representing now a sensitive marker for early detection of the disease and for monitoring the therapeutic outcomes, also contributed. Recent years have also confirmed the success of molecular therapies targeting tumor alterations that underlie carcinogenesis. A new generation of medications, monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting specific receptors and biological signal pathways essential for the survival and progression of the malignant cell, revolutionized the treatment of cancers and boosted hope of many patients.
The 3rd edition of General Oncology, published under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Lucian Miron, Primary physician in Medical Oncology and Head of Medical Oncology - Radiotherapy at the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Iaşi includes all these essential aspects necessary for the understanding of the origin and evolution of the neoplastic process as it appears today in the light of the latest advances in tumor biology, targeted molecular therapies and immunotherapy.
The paper addresses specialists, residents, and even students who want a concise and systematic view of an increasingly complex pathology. The book contains updated information, with exhaustive bibliographic references, and summarizes the progress made in recent years regarding tumor biology, malignant phenotype and carcinogenesis. A number of useful information for primary and secondary cancer prevention is also included - from the epidemiology of human neoplasia to exo- and endogenous risk factors and screening protocols.
Distinct chapters are dedicated to paraneoplastic syndromes, palliative care, nutrition of the oncological patient, and patient follow-up. An important part of the paper is reserved for cancer therapies - from local methods (radiotherapy and surgery) to the most commonly used cytostatic agents, current biological and immune therapies and hormone therapy currently available. I have appreciated the attention paid to clinical trials in the oncology patient approach - there is a dedicated chapter explaining the elements of medical statistics and characterizing each phase of a clinical trial.
The progress in oncology has never been faster: from the increasing use of molecular medication to the emergence and success of immuno-oncology, including genomic-based medicine, which transformed and redefined oncological treatment methods, contributing to a significant improvement in the outcome of therapies for cancer patients!
After reading the book, you are impressed by the quality of the information provided, by the ease with which the complex biological processes are explained and by the practical aspects (screening, diagnosis, staging and monitoring) useful for all healthcare professionals.
We strongly recommend General Oncology to all the residents and specialists getting in contact with the oncological patient, to whose questions they must answer, explaining the stages of oncology diagnosis.
Dr. Alexandru Grigorescu
Executive President of the National Society of Medical Oncology in Romania
There is a general consensus that cancer is a pathology with genetic mechanisms caused by the accumulating alterations in the somatic cell genome that underlie tumor progression. In recent years, progress and increased access to DNA sequencing technologies have opened a new era in molecular medicine and have revolutionized the oncology field. Thus, we are witnessing the redefinition of tumor taxonomy and the transition of classified histology to the one based on genetic mutations. In this respect, the identification of specific DNA mutations, representing now a sensitive marker for early detection of the disease and for monitoring the therapeutic outcomes, also contributed. Recent years have also confirmed the success of molecular therapies targeting tumor alterations that underlie carcinogenesis. A new generation of medications, monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting specific receptors and biological signal pathways essential for the survival and progression of the malignant cell, revolutionized the treatment of cancers and boosted hope of many patients.
The 3rd edition of General Oncology, published under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Lucian Miron, Primary physician in Medical Oncology and Head of Medical Oncology - Radiotherapy at the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Iaşi includes all these essential aspects necessary for the understanding of the origin and evolution of the neoplastic process as it appears today in the light of the latest advances in tumor biology, targeted molecular therapies and immunotherapy.
The paper addresses specialists, residents, and even students who want a concise and systematic view of an increasingly complex pathology. The book contains updated information, with exhaustive bibliographic references, and summarizes the progress made in recent years regarding tumor biology, malignant phenotype and carcinogenesis. A number of useful information for primary and secondary cancer prevention is also included - from the epidemiology of human neoplasia to exo- and endogenous risk factors and screening protocols.
Distinct chapters are dedicated to paraneoplastic syndromes, palliative care, nutrition of the oncological patient, and patient follow-up. An important part of the paper is reserved for cancer therapies - from local methods (radiotherapy and surgery) to the most commonly used cytostatic agents, current biological and immune therapies and hormone therapy currently available. I have appreciated the attention paid to clinical trials in the oncology patient approach - there is a dedicated chapter explaining the elements of medical statistics and characterizing each phase of a clinical trial.
The progress in oncology has never been faster: from the increasing use of molecular medication to the emergence and success of immuno-oncology, including genomic-based medicine, which transformed and redefined oncological treatment methods, contributing to a significant improvement in the outcome of therapies for cancer patients!
After reading the book, you are impressed by the quality of the information provided, by the ease with which the complex biological processes are explained and by the practical aspects (screening, diagnosis, staging and monitoring) useful for all healthcare professionals.
We strongly recommend General Oncology to all the residents and specialists getting in contact with the oncological patient, to whose questions they must answer, explaining the stages of oncology diagnosis.
Dr. Alexandru Grigorescu
Executive President of the National Society of Medical Oncology in Romania