Editor: Tamara L. Kalir

Ovarian Cancer – Challenges & Innovations

Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $57
Printed Copy: US $57
ISBN: 978-981-14-2185-3 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-14-2186-0 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2019
DOI: 10.2174/97898114218601190101

Introduction

This informative book provides a wealth of information on ovarian cancer. The book opens with a discussion of contemporary management of this disease with commentary on surgery and clinical trials: neoadjuvant, dose-dense, and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC}, as well as immunotherapy, vaccine therapy, emerging therapies. This is followed by presentations on ovarian cancer pathology. A chapter is devoted to methods of drug discovery through a functional genomics approach, with gene expression microarray databases available in public data repositories such as Public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO} and validation using immunohistochemistry or Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Next, the book explores the psycho-social issues that may be encountered by an ovarian cancer patient, including commentary on pain, fertility, anxiety, depression, demoralization, caregiver burnout, and end-of-life. The final chapter represents a step out from mainstream medical practice and provides an exposition of the mind-body interaction and the powerful role of belief in the healing process, with discussions of the placebo effect, nocebo effect, and numerous research studies that demonstrate the tremendous influence of our beliefs on our bodies and well-being.

Key Features:

  • -Provides a holistic view of ovarian cancer.
  • -Covers both conventional medical research topics and key social issues encountered by patients, caregivers and medical professionals.
  • -Explains cancer pathology and related concepts with the help of illustrations and notes on future directions.
  • -Features commentary from experts in ovarian cancer treatment.
  • -Written in a reader-friendly style suitable for a wide range of readers

Ovarian Cancer – Challenges and Innovations is a comprehensive reference about ovarian cancer for medical students, residents, practitioners, healthcare support staff (nurses, physician assistants), medical researchers and scientists, as well as patients and interested laypersons seeking to improve their current knowledge of ovarian cancer.

Preface

Significant research has been carried out on ovarian cancer, inclusive of clinicians’ and patients’ points of view. My goal was to add something new. Currently ovarian cancer is, for many women a chronic disease which resists cure. The allure of personalized medicine is that we may one day identify biomarkers unique to a patient’s ovarian tumor - the ‘Achilles heel’ of the tumor - that when targeted, results in complete remission of the disease. Today, we are at the beginning this journey. A new book on ovarian cancer would include a discussion on current medical practices and treatments, along with pathogenesis and pathological classifications. The authors (respectively Dr. Jamal Rahaman, and Drs. Jessica Beyda & Sedef Everest) have given excellent and thorough overviews of these subjects. The novelty of this book is threefold: i) commentary on future directions in treatment (respectively Drs. Jamal Rahaman and Stave Kohtz), ii) the use of in silico analysis/other computer programs to identify candidate genes for targeted therapy and likelihood of success (Dr. Gonzalo Carrasco-Avino), and iii) discussions on the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Dr. Jacob Appel has given a sensitive and comprehensive overview of psychological factors affecting patients with ovarian cancer and, finally, I have included a chapter on the role of belief in healing, with discussions on the placebo and nocebo effects, and the potent influence of our thoughts on our body’s ability to heal.

This book is intended for a wide audience including: medical students, house staff, attending physicians, physician assistants, medical researchers, assistants, patients and other interested individuals. My hope is that readers will gain greater knowledge and understanding of ovarian cancer, and will gain their own inspirations and insights into healing and well being.

Tamara L. Kalir, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pathology
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
USA

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