Advances in Medicine and Biology: Volume 143

Volume 143 discusses the main indications of prophylactic oophorectomy, as well as its risks, benefits and impacts on women's quality of life. Additionally, the authors examine PEGylation, a chemical reaction that allows for the conjugation of a polyethylene-glycol group to another compound. Since the commercial release of adagen, the first approved PEGylated drug, PEGylation has proven to be a successful strategy for the generation of efficient drugs. Following this, this compilation analyses the morphological and functional disorders that may be induced by oxaliplatin. The authors present the possible side effects of this drug upon several organs, as well as the mechanisms that are activated by the nominated drug. The authors also summarise the processes that might be occurring in Werner syndrome cells during DNA replication that then lead to the genomic instability and replication stress and, ultimately, a p38a-induced premature senescence. The results of the authors' studies combining the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and enteral sorption therapy are presented in the closing chapter to ameliorate common side effects of such potent and toxic anti-cancer alkylating agents, such as melphalan.