Thymus Gland Pathology : Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Features
The thymic pathology is related to several complex congenital, non-oncological, and oncological diseases. Many of these illnesses require a multidisciplinary approach thus involving several specialists: the surgeon, the neurologist, the anesthetist, and the pathologist. For example, myasthenia gravis—the most challenging disease deriving from a thymic trouble—requires an accurate and multimodal treatment. The oncologic pathology of the thymus is likewise complex, and involves also the oncologist and the radiotherapist. In cases of congenital thymic diseases, a transplantation of the thymus can be taken into consideration.
Rectal Cancer Treatment
Rectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers world-wide. It is also a paradigm for multimodal management, as the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is often necessary to achieve the optimal outcome. Recently, international experts met in Heidelberg, Germany to discuss the latest developments in the management of rectal cancer, including the anatomic and pathologic basis, staging tools, surgical concepts including fast-track surgery and laparoscopic resection, functional outcome after surgery and the role of radio- and chemotherapy. This monograph summarizes this meeting and gives an extensive overview of the current concepts in management of rectal cancer.
Cured II - LENT Cancer Survivorship Research and Education : Late Effects on Normal Tissues
Multimodal treatment lies at the heart of the improvement in cancer cure rates. However, the more aggressive the treatment delivery in terms of dose, time and volume for radiation and chemotherapy, the more adverse effects in normal tissues can be anticipated. Against this background, a major paradigm shift has taken place in that there is a new focus on cancer survivorship. Put another way, there has been a realization that prolongation of life must be accompanied by maintenance of the quality of life: the life worth saving must be worth living.


