This book describes and summarizes the radiation responses of both normal and neoplastic tissues with a focus on rational strategies for the modification of these responses. Emerging data from molecular oncology and radiobiology are reviewed in depth. The book covers not only general principles of radiation-induced reactions but also a large number of preclinical and clinical data that will guide the reader through this complex and dynamic field and will provide valuable information for the development of further research projects.

I: Normal Tissues.- 1 The Potentional Role of Signaling Proteins in the Acceleration of Repopulating Normal and Malignant Tissues.- 2 Role of Radiation-Induced Signaling Proteins in the Response of Vascular and Connective Tissues.- 3 Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Lung Fibrosis.- 4 Strategies for Modification of the Radiation Response of the Lung.- 5 Mechanisms and Modification of the Radiation Response of Gastrointestinal Organs.- 6 Mechanisms and Modification of the Radiation Response of the Central Nervous System.- 7 Hematopoietic Tissue I: Response Modification by Erythropoietin.- 8 Hematopoietic Tissue II: Role of Colony-Stimulating Factors.- 9 Oral Mucosa: Response Modification by Keratinocyte Growth Factor.- II: Malignancies.- 10 Role of Growth Factors in Tumor Growth and Progression of Gynecological Tumors.- 11 Growth Factor Expression in Central Nervous System Tumours.- 12 Role of Growth Factors and Biological Response Modifiers in Lung, Head and Neck and Gastrointestinal Tumors.- 13 Role of Signaling Pathway Modification.- 14 Anti-VEGF Strategies in Combination with Radiotherapy.- 15 Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Its Inhibition in Radiotherapy.- 16 Enhancement of the Radiation Response with Interleukins and Interferons.- 17 Enhancement of Radiation Response with TNF/TRAIL.- 18 Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its Inhibition in Tumor Biology and Radiotherapy.- 19 Ras Signaling and Its Inhibition with Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors: Effects on Radiation Resistance and the Tumor Microenvironment.- List of Contributors.

This book describes and summarizes the radiation responses of both normal and neoplastic tissues with a focus on rational strategies for the modification of these responses. Emerging data from molecular oncology and radiobiology that form the basis for a better understanding of radiation-induced reactions and key features of malignant growth are reviewed in depth. The book covers not only general principles of radiation-induced reactions but also a large number of preclinical and clinical data that will guide the reader through this complex and dynamic field and will provide valuable information for the development of further research projects. Many of the data reviewed in this book form a sound basis for further improvement of state-of-the art radiation therapy by integrating biological information into the process of treatment planning and delivery.