Bøger i Progress in Neurological Surgery serien

At present most intracranial gliomas are considered incurable with current treatment strategies, and the search for new modalities that may effectively control tumor growth continues. The chapters in this volume describe basic principles and therapeutic possibilities of several innovative techniques, including photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy, stereotactic cryodestruction, high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, boron neutron capture therapy, proton and carbon ion irradiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, local chemotherapy, and alternating electric fields therapy. Potential applications of extracellular vesicles and nanotechnology for management of gliomas are highlighted as well. Many of these methods have already demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical testing, whereas others are still under development. The materials presented in this book are mainly directed at clinicians treating patients with brain tumors, as well as clinical and basic researchers working in the field of neuro-oncology.

Treatment of patients with intracranial gliomas, especially high-grade neoplasms, usually requires postoperative adjuvant therapy. Significant progress in the understanding of tumor biology, technological advances in irradiation delivery, and development of novel antitumor drugs have led to an expansion of the therapeutic arsenal in neuro-oncology. This publication provides a unique review of the various options for adjuvant therapy. Special emphasis is on current evidence-based treatment standards and guidelines, and on perspectives of further improvement in long-term outcomes. Chapters review the histopathological and molecular features of gliomas and describe basic principles and clinical results of fractionated radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, use of radiosensitizers, systemic chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. Particular attention is paid to treatment of pediatric patients and to physical and psychological rehabilitation and supportive care at the end of life. This book and its accompanying volumes are mainly directed at neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other clinicians treating patients with brain tumors.

Aggressive surgical removal is generally considered the main initial management option for most intracranial gliomas. It often results in resolution or alleviation of neurological symptoms and signs, normalizes intracranial pressure, facilitates characterization of the neoplasm, creates optimal conditions for adjuvant therapy and neurorehabilitation, and leads to prolongation of progression-free and overall survival of patients. Leading experts in neurosurgical oncology have contributed to this volume, highlighting modern principles of surgery for both newly-diagnosed and recurrent intracranial gliomas in adult as well as pediatric patients. The first of a three-volume set, it details epidemiological aspects, defines the importance of preoperative imaging, and describes current perioperative adjuvant needs. In addition, contemporary methods of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, the value of brain mapping for functional preservation, tips to prevent complications, and postoperative results are presented and discussed. This book and its accompanying volumes are mainly directed at neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists and other clinicians treating patients with brain tumors.