- First textbook to describe the biological complexities of breast cancer in a way that is relevant to the radiation oncologist
- Covers a range of important emerging issues
- Offers practical treatment recommendations based on available clinical evidence
- Includes end of chapter summaries that consolidate the main points
Breast Cancer Biology for the Radiation Oncologist is the first textbook of its kind devoted to describing the biological complexities of breast cancer in a way that is relevant to the radiation oncologist.
Radiation Oncology has long treated breast cancer as a single biological entity, with all treatment decisions being based on clinical and pathologic risk factors. We are now beginning to understand that biological subtypes of breast cancer may have different risks of recurrence as well as different intrinsic sensitivity to radiotherapy. Multi-gene arrays that have for years been used to predict the risk of distant recurrence and the value of systemic chemotherapy may also have utility in predicting the risk of local recurrence. Additionally, the targeted agents used to treat breast cancer may interact with radiotherapy in ways that can be beneficial or undesirable.
All of these emerging issues of central importance to radiation oncologists are extensively discussed in this book, and practical treatment recommendations based on available clinical evidence are presented whenever possible.
Table of ContentsIntroduction and Rationale.- Biological subtypes of breast cancer.- Systemic agents and their interactions with radiotherapy.- Oncogene amplification and Herceptin.- Current clinical use of genetic profiling.- Biology of DCIS and progression to invasive disease.- Cancer Stem Cells and Radiotherapy.- Genetic basis of normal tissue radiosensitivity and late toxicity.- Genetic syndromes and radiotherapy in breast cancer.- Alternative radiotherapy modalities.- Experimental therapies in breast cancer.- Animal models of breast cancer.
