About the book
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors; represents a heterogeneous group comprising more than 100 tumor types originating from the brain, cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord, and meninges. Primary CNS tumors constitute 2% of all cancers in adults and 15-25% in children. Among glial tumors, glioblastoma is the most common in adults and pilocytic astrocytoma in childhood. Embryonal tumors are also more common in children and are called medulloblastoma if they are located infratentorial. Other Primary CNS tumors include; Many tumors such as meningioma, pituitary adenoma, hemangioblastoma, craniopharyngioma, germ cell tumors, mixed glio-neuronal tumors can be counted. Secondary CNS tumors; are extraaxially located metastatic tumors and are observed much more frequently than primary CNS tumors. CNS tumors are classified into four grades, from Stage I to IV, according to the Malignant Scale of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO classification in 2007; was based on the histogenesis and cell origin of the tumor. In the latest classification made in 2016; to better characterize the tumor and obtain better data on its prognosis; The combination of molecular and genetic biomarkers and histopathological features of the tumor was used. Despite all current treatment approaches, the median survival time is around 12 months in most GBM patients. Compared with the situation of some types of successfully treated cancers; the survival time of GBM patients is not at an acceptable level today. In the treatment of CNS tumors; surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments (x-rays, gamma rays, electron and proton beams) are used. The therapeutic potential of chemotherapy; New strategies are needed to increase drug concentration at the diseased site, as this largely depends on the ability of the chemotherapeutic agent to achieve effective concentrations at tumor localization. Based on our better understanding of the genetic and molecular characteristics of CNS tumors; Targeted therapies, including vaccines, and treatment protocols such as immunotherapy are promising developments.
This book supposes to be written by many authors who have an internationally honored place in their field to share their ideas about the treatment of CNS tumors. Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Antiangiogenic Therapy Protocols, Immunotherapy, Molecular Therapy, Specific target-agents therapy with Nanoparticles and Gene Therapy for CNS tumors among the book chapters.
In these sections; there are many practical pieces of information that can help the students who graduated from the Medicine Faculty and specialist doctors who are interested in Neurosurgery.
