Pancreatic Cancer

I. Etiology and Pathogenesis.- 1 Molecular Genetics of Pancreatic Carcinoma.- 2 Role of Polypeptide Growth Factors and Their Receptors in Human Pancreatic Cancer.- 3 Growth Factors and Growth Factor Receptors in Chronic Pancreatitis, and the Relation to Pancreatic Cancer.- 4 Clues from Experimental Models.- 5 Role for Transforming Growth Factor-ß: Clues from Other Cancers.- II. Diagnosis and Staging.- 6 Screening for Pancreatic Cancer Using Techniques to Detect Altered Gene Products.- 7 Tumor Antigens in Pancreatic Cancer.- 8 Radiologic Techniques for Diagnosis and Staging of Pancreatic Carcinoma.- 9 Diagnosis and Staging of Pancreatic Cancer: The Role of Laparoscopy.- III. Treatment.- 10 Standard Forms of Pancreatic Resection.- 11 Extended Radical Whipple Resection for Cancer of the Head of the Pancreas: Operative Procedure and Results in Our Institution.- 12 Extended Pancreatic Resection for Carcinoma of the Pancreas.- 13 Endoscopic Stents for Palliation in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer.- 14 Laparoscopic Biliary and Gastric Bypass.- 15 Chemotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer.- 16 Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer.- 17 Gene Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer.- 18 Quality of Life in Pancreatic Cancer.

". . .a fascinating body of information regarding pancreatic cancer. . .The chapters related to palliative treatment are quite good. . .Overall, this is a very nicely constructed book with the most current information available about pancreatic cancer. The sections discussing diagnosis, particularly molecular diagnosis, are well done. The sections on the operative treatments are considered in great deal and will be of great interest to those who regularly carry out operative treatment with a curative intent for patients with pancreatic carcinoma."-New England Journal of Medicine

"Reber has entitled several renowned experts to contribute to this landmark text that captures and distills "the current state of both the art and the science in the field of pancreatic cancer" (as Reber states in the preface)....Finally, unlike many textbooks on the subject cancer, the book finishes with a discussion regarding quality of life, which, after all, is the most important factor regarding many with the misfortune of developing pancreatic cancer....this book is highly recommended. It will appeal to a broad spectrum of physicians and trainees who seek an overview of the current science and practice in the management of pancreatic cancer and an exciting glimpse into its future."-Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

". . .contitutes the most complete review of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas available. . .an excellent contribution to the surgical literature that addresses the major concepts any surgeon or physician with a particular interest in pancreatic cancer should know."-Archives of Surgery

"Howard Reber produced this book 'in an effort to reflect the current state of both the art and science in the field of pancreatic cancer.' High marks for effort; strongly recommended for all who consider themselves to be engaged seriously in the field."-International Journal of Pancreatology

"Overall this book is well-written and thus suitable for neophytes as well as