Molecular Basis of Thyroid Cancer

• The Origin of Cancer.- The Pathology of Thyroid Cancer.- Thyroid Lymphomas.- Molecular Events in Follicular Thyroid Tumors.- Molecular Epidemiology of Thyroid Cancer.- Growth Factors and their Receptors in the Genesis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer.- Biology of Ras in Thyroid Cells.- P53 and other Cell Cycle Regulators.- Abnormalities of Nuclear Receptors in Thyroid Cancer.- Matrix Metalloproteinases in Thyroid Cancer.- The Molecular Pathways Induced by Radiation and Leading to Thyroid Carcinogenesis.- TRK Oncogenes in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.- Thyroidal Iodide Transport and Thyroid Cancer.- Molecular Signaling in Thyroid Cancer.- Gene Expression in Thyroid Tumors.- Animal Models of Thyroid Carcinogenesis.- Diagnostic Molecular Markers in Thyroid Cancer.- Thyroid Cancer Imaging.- Past, Presence and Future of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Superactive Analogs.- Pathobiology of Antineoplastic Therapy in Undifferentiated Thyroid Cancer.- Gene Therapy for Thyroid Cancer.- Familial Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.- Ret Activation in Medullary Carcinomas.- From Genes to Decisions.

Doody Enterprises, Inc., 500 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1410, Chicago, IL 60611, Tel:312-644-7640, anne@doody.com Reviewer's Expert Opinion: Ronald N Cohen, MD (University of Chicago Medical Center) This book discusses and evaluates recent advances in the molecular basis of the pathogenesis and treatment of the various forms of thyroid cancer. The purpose is to convey a better understanding of the factors that cause thyroid cancer, as well as to explore novel strategies for its treatment, focusing on recent advances in molecular biology. There is a significant, and rapidly-growing, literature concerning the molecular biology of thyroid cancer, and this book is a welcome addition that allows these novel findings to be placed in perspective. There will be a relatively narrow audience for this book. In particular, it will appeal significantly more to thyroidologists than to general endocrinologists. In addition, it will be interesting to nuclear medicine physicians, pathologists, and oncologists if they have a specific interest in thyroid cancer. The book covers a wide range of topics, ranging from the pathology of thyroid tumors to specific molecular events in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer. In this process, chapters devoted to specific molecules important in thyroid cancer are included. In addition, information on NIS, and how it relates to thyroid cancer imaging and treatment is discussed in detail. Finally, molecular genetics, for example the genetics of medullary thyroid cancer, is also included. The chapters are well written and informative, though there is occasional overlap. For physicians and scientists with a significant interest in thyroid cancer, this book is a welcome addition. It provides a wealth of interesting information, and I enjoyed it very much.