This book describes and summarizes the radiation responses of both normal and neoplastic tissues with a focus on rational strategies for the modification of these responses. Emerging data from molecular oncology and radiobiology that form the basis for a better understanding of radiation-induced reactions and key features of malignant growth are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the role of cytokines and growth factors as well as signal transduction pathways. A unique feature of the book is that it has been written in close collaboration by basic scientists, radiobiologists, and radiation oncologists. Therefore it covers not only general principles of radiation-induced reactions but also a large number of preclinical and clinical data that will guide the reader through this complex and dynamic field and will provide valuable information for the development of further research projects. Many of the data reviewed in this book form a sound basis for further improvement of state-of-the art radiation therapy by integrating biological information into the process of treatment planning and delivery.

Keywords: Cancer Treatment, Krebstherapie, Radiation Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Radiobiologie, Radiobiology, Radiotherapie


Contents: Normal Tissues: Role of Radiation-Induced Signaling Proteins in the Response of Repopulating Normal Tissues (K.-R. Trott); Role of Radiation-Induced Signaling Proteins in the Response of Vascular and Connective Tissues (H.-P. Rodemann); Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Lung Fibrosis (W. Doerr et al.); Strategies for Modification of the Radiation Response of the Lung (E.L. Travis); Strategies for Modification of the Radiation Response of Gastrointestinal Organs (M. Hauer-Jensen); Mechanisms and Modification of the Radiation Response of the CNS; Haematopoetic Tissue I: Response Modification by EPO (J. Dunst); Haematopoetic Tissue II: Role of Colony-Stimulating Factors (G. Wagemaker); Oral Mucosa: Response Modification by Keratinocyte Growth Factor (W. Doerr); Malignancies: Role of Growth Factors in Tumor Growth and Progression (incl. GYN Tumors) (A. W. Fyles); CNS Tumors (C. Nieder/J. Schlegel); Lung, Head and Neck, GI Tumors (G. Stüben/ M. Stuschke); Role of Signalling Pathway Modification (O. Riesterer/S. Bodis); Anti-VEGT Strategies plus Radiotherapy (D. Zips/M. Baumann); Anti-EGFR Strategies plus Radiotherapy (L. Milas); Enhancement of the Radiation Response with Interleukins/Interferons (F. Lohr); Enhancement of the Radiation Response with TNF/TRAIL (R.E. Meyn); Enhancement of the Radiation Responses with COX-2 Inhibitors (L. Milas/K. Kian Ang); Enhancement of the Radiation Response with Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors (E.J. Bernhard et al.); Subject Index. List of Contributors.