Research and Markets - Identification of Disease-specific Biomarkers is of Extreme Importance in Both Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

Research and Markets has announced the addition of Introduction to oncology to their offering

(PRWEB) October 13, 2004 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com) has announced the addition of Introduction to oncology to their offering

Cancer is not a single disease, but is a set of several hundred distinct neoplastic entities, which are a vast medical problem, representing the third largest disease burden of any therapeutic area. According to the 2003 Facts and Figures report issued by the American Cancer Association, men in the United States have approximately a 1 in 2 chance of developing cancer during their lifetime. The increasing age of the population and the continuing morbidity and mortality associated with this disease confirm the need for continued scientific research and the development of new therapies. Improved knowledge of the molecular biology of cancer and the increasing age of the general population, coupled with increasing sales of cancer therapies indicate growth in the oncology market as biotechnology companies continue to target cancers with unmet needs.

Traditionally, the oncology market has been dominated by cytotoxic and anti-hormonal therapy, but recently, targeted molecules have become key components of cancer therapy, and identification of disease-specific biomarkers is of extreme importance in both diagnosis and treatment. The conception of such agents lies in the understanding of the biology of cancer and of the genetic component of this vast and complicated disease and to aid this understanding, a number of relevant fields contributing to the onset of cancer are included in this report.

Scope of this report
This report provides an introduction to the field of oncology, covering:
- types of tumor
- etiology
- presentation
- extensive coverage of current diagnostic techniques
- prognosis.

In global terms, the most common cancers include, lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, gastric and gynecological cancer. Tumors of these organs can originate from epithelial cells (carcinomas), from bone, cartilage, muscle, fibrous connective tissue or fatty tissue (sarcomas), or from hematopoietic tissue (hematological malignancies). The American Cancer Society has developed a general list of seven symptoms that could be warning signs of cancer. In the same way that there is no one etiological cause of cancer, there is almost certainly unlikely to be one cure. The introduction of chemotherapeutic agents, and more recently, biological therapy and gene therapy, has significantly broadened treatment options and, in some cancers, markedly improved patient prognosis.

In 90-95% of cases, cancer is sporadic and occurs by chance, and therefore in most individuals, it is a disease of old age. However, for some time researchers have recognized that certain inherited gene mutations cause rare forms of cancer, such as retinoblastoma. Recently, rapid changes in environment and lifestyle have outpaced the ability of the human genome to adapt to such changes, with the result that a large number of the general population has now become genetically predisposed to mutations leading to cancer.

The report begins with a refresher on the basics of the functioning of the eukaryotic cell, which includes:
- DNA replication and the cell cycle
- protein formation
- signal transduction pathways.

The biology of cancer is discussed with particular reference to:
- carcinogenesis
- oncogenic viruses
- genetic mutation
- epigenetic changes
- DNA methylation
- chromatin remodeling
- oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
- hormone triggers
- the role of the immune system.

Carcinogens can be either artificial, such as cigarette smoke, or present naturally in the environment, as is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Both the number of exposures to a carcinogen as well as the duration of exposure determines whether a cancer will develop. The function and associated cancers of each of the main classes of oncogene and tumor suppressor genes is covered. The development of the malignant cell is discussed with reference to potential mediators of cancer, in particular growth factors and cytokines. The progression to invasive cancer and the molecular basis of the properties that permit malignant cells to metastasize are also covered.

In addition, discussion on the mediators of cancer and its metastasis are included, and particular emphasis is placed on the characteristics of the malignant phenotype, the properties of which permit metastasis of cancer cells.

With the view to the expanding oncology market, both current and future treatment modalities feature heavily in this report. Topics that are covered include:
- principles of cancer treatment
- radiotherapy
- surgery.

The different types of radiotherapy and different methods of administration are included, as well as the typical response to this form of treatment. Surgery can be performed to achieve a number of potential outcomes, all of which are covered here. All classes of current cytotoxic chemotherapy are mentioned, as well as dose response relationships and the principles by which these treatments achieve a reduction in tumor mass.
- Current therapy
chemotherapy
biological therapy
hormone therapy
growth factor inhibitors.

Further topics are:
- management of treatment side effects
hematological and non-hematological side effects
- management of opportunistic infections
- supportive care and pain therapy.

Particular attention is given to new and emerging treatments, including:
- MMP inhibitors
- anticoagulants
- angiogenesis inhibitors
- COX-2 inhibitors
- biological therapy
- immunotoxic therapy
- vaccines
- biochemical targets
- nuclear-based therapies
- gene therapy
- new transplantation strategies
- new treatment for bone disease
- prevention strategies.

Key reasons to read this report
- To understand the basics of oncology and the properties of the malignant phenotype.
- To understand the diagnosis and staging of disease, and the implications of metastasis.
- To understand the principles of current cancer therapy and how these may be improved.
- To gain insight into the mechanism of action of emerging and possible future therapies.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c7121

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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