Humana Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Methods and Protocols: 45 (Methods in Molecular Medicine)

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Methods and Protocols outlines the research methods applied in the laboratories and clinics of those scientists and cli- cians interested in the understanding and clinical management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Part I, The Clinical Problem, has been contributed by two leading cli- cal groups who have identified and addressed problem areas related to the management of HCC patients. Various treatment modalities are discussed and emphasis is placed on the limitations they experienced. Part II, HCC Carcinogenesis, reviews the main etiological factors related to hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Part III, Molecular and Biological Characteristics, provides insight into the molecular changes associated with HCC, including tumor-suppressor genes, oncogenes, adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinase, and novel genes and markers. Part IV, HCC Gene Therapy, addresses gene therapy approaches to treating hepatocellular carcinoma. It includes the use of various vectors, such as lipids, viruses such as adenoviruses and baculoviruses, and virus detection using el- tron microscopy assessment. The use of adenovirus with specific promotors, such as AFP, is also included. Preclinical and clinical data on the killing of cancer cells using tumor-suppressor genes, antisense to growth factors, immunogene therapy, or virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy are addressed. Review "...The molecular techniques are presented in a very useful format...This is a unique book with tools presented that can be directly applied to bench, translational, and clinical research. The step-by-step protocols are comprehensive and easy to understand." -Doody's Health Science Book Review Journal From the Back Cover Advances in molecular characterization and novel gene-isolation techniques have vigorously expanded our understanding of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a form of liver cancer that affects one million people annually, and generated many new therapeutic possibilities. In Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Methods and Protocols, Nagy Habib and a team of basic and clinical researchers describe the wide variety of powerful new laboratory-based molecular methods currently being used for investigating and treating this disease. The book focuses on gene therapy approaches, including the use of such vectors as lipids, adenovirus, and baculovirus, and virus detection assessment using electron microscopy. It also provides preclinical and clinical data on the killing of cancer cells using tumor-suppressor genes, antisense compounds to growth factors, immunotherapy (remove gene), and virus-directed enzyme prodrug therapy. A perspective on future treatment of the failing liver is given, along with a clinical protocol for p53 gene therapy. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Methods and Protocols offers experimental and clinical investigators a rich source of both basic science and clinical information on today's optimal use of gene therapy to treat and manage patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma.