Brain Tumors: Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment PDF

Preface

The last decade has dramatically changed the field of neurooncology. A new classification system has been put in place by the World Health Organization. New imaging techniques make possible early diagnosis of brain tumors and decreased morbidity from surgical intervention or irradiation. Classical therapeutic strategies have been refined and the standard of care for many tumors has changed. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms leading to brain cancer has grown exponentially and serves as the basis for novel more or less targeted treatment strategies.

This book is intended for clinicians who care for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors and neurological complications of cancer. The book, largely written by clinical neurooncologists, provides a concise and up-to-date review of epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis-to the extent that is needed for the clinician to establish an accurate diagnosis and provide risk-stratified treatment, clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. The most essential information is presented in a format that is readable from ‘‘cover to cover.'' The book may serve as an introduction into the topic for the subspecialist in training and early career, as well as a concise review for the experienced neurooncologist, general neurosurgeon, neurologist, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist. The reader is provided with contributions from experts in the field, who reflect their personal experience and interpretation of published studies.

Neurological complications of cancer and its treatment are becoming increasingly common as patients survive longer and are treated with new drugs or therapeutic modalities affecting the central as well as peripheral nervous system. As these problems are commonly encountered by any subspecialist involved in the care of patients with brain cancer, they are addressed in a major section.

We are committed to providing an up-to-date and readable resource on neurooncology. This will require further refinement in future editions. Comments from our colleagues are welcome.