Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is caused by contact with asbestos. The most common form of the disease is malignant pleual mesothelioma, where cancer cells are found in the sac lining of the chest, or pleura. Most sufferers are from industries that have been exposed to breathing asbestos, but others may have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos in a household environment. The incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and, due to its delayed effect (taking approximately 20 years to manifest itself in humans), is expected to reach its peak in 2020. It is also an active area of research as physicians are becoming more aware of the problem, and also its legal and economic implications. This book presents a comprehensive overview of mesothelioma aimed at all health care professionals who come into contact with diseased patients. The book includes chapters on epidemiology, diagnosis, histopathology, radiology, surgery, chemotherapy, immune therapy and radiotherapy. A molecular biology section focuse

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Product Description

Malignant pleural mesothelioma, a malignancy due largely to asbestos exposure, represents an increasingly common challenge to clinical and medical oncologists, respiratory physicians, and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as researchers in the field. The disease has yet to reach its peak and is expected to kill over 100,000 people worldwide. As malignant pleural mesothelioma gains in profile, Kenneth O'Byrne and Valerie Rusch present a comprehensive overview of the subject, aimed at all health care professionals who come into contact with patients with the disease. The book includes chapters on epidemiology, diagnosis, histopathology, radiology, surgery, chemotherapy, immune therapy, radiotherapy, and palliative medicine, written by an international team of contributors. A molecular biology section focuses on the carcinogenic effects of asbestos fibres and simian virus 40, angiogenesis and angiogenic growth factors, the immune response, and genetic abnormalities detected in the disease. Future therapies are also covered, as is a perspective on the distinct legal issues related to the disease. This highly-illustrated, full colour book provides the ultimate, timely resource on this devastating disease.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1823989 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 480 pages

Review

"Anybody dealing with diffuse malignant mesothelioma, in either a research or clincial setting, should learn a great deal from this book in topics outside his or her own immediate specializations. As this clinically relentless disease continues to increase but has proven so refractory to therapy, any additional knowledge is welcome ideed, and this book is also welcome indeed."--Respiratory Care
"A comprehensive overview of the subject, aimed at all health care professionals who come into contact with patients with the disease."--Anticancer Research

About the Author

Dr Ken O'Byrne is President of the British Mesothelioma Trust. Professor Valerie Rusch, M.D. is currently Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where she also holds the William G. Cahan Chair. She is a member of the Editorial Boards for The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Journal of Clinical Oncology, The Oncologist, and Lung Cancer.