Brain Tumor Invasion Biological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Considerations Edited by Tom Mikkelsen Rolf Bjerkvig Ole Didrik Laerum Mark L. Rosenblum Recent advances in molecular biology have given us profound new insights into the behavior of primary brain tumors. Not only are such tumors more diffuse in their infiltration of brain tissue and therefore less amenable to surgery than brain tumors originating elsewhere in the body—it now appears that the central nervous system and the normal brain itself constitute a biological environment conducive to the uncontrolled spread of primary tumors. Brain Tumor Invasion is the first comprehensive reference devoted to the invasive behavior of primary brain tumors. It examines the biological mechanisms responsible for the increased ability of gliomas to metastasize in the central nervous system, and discusses the role of chemical carcinogens, growth factors, oncogenes, and tumor suppressors in the progression of such metastases. This book surveys the latest research in the field, reviews present and future prospects of anti-invasive brain tumor therapy, and even translates preclinical trials and other research results into potential new therapies. The material is divided into five main categories: Developmental biology and molecular neuro-oncology Pathological and clinical features of malignant brain tumors Models for the study of brain tumor invasion in vivo and in vitro Mechanisms of invasion New therapeutic strategies Brain Tumor Invasion offers dozens of maps and photographs that illustrate topics under discussion. This in-depth introduction to one of the most difficult problems in the management of brain tumors is indispensable to neuro-oncologists involved in brain tumor research and therapy. It is also useful to researchers in cancer biology, neuroscience, cell biology, and molecular genetics.