Sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedures have opened a window of opportunity for the study of micrometastasis. In eighty percent (80%) of metastasis there lies an orderly pattern of progression via the lymphatic network, while 20% of the time systemic metastasis occurs, bypassing the lymphatic system. During the past two decades, significant progress has been achieved in understanding the anatomical, functional, cellular and molecular aspects of the lymphovascular system and the metastasis process.

· Molecular imaging advances help to localize early cancers more precisely.

· Current status of the immune responses in the draining lymph nodes against cancer is summarized.

· New paradigms of early cancer growth, proliferation, overcoming apoptosis are exploited in the development of anticancer treatment.

In this book, basic scientists and clinicians exchange ideas so that laboratory findings can be applied to clinical dilemmas, and clinical problems can be targeted for research in the laboratory.

Characterizes the anatomy and physiology of the lymphovascular system Describes the mechanisms of metastasis Outlines the prognostic factors and clinical outcome of metastasis Provides readers with an understanding of immune responses of draining lymph nodes against cancer Explains the rationale of adopting molecular therapeutics against growth factor receptors, apoptotic factors, signaling pathways and angiogenesis

Inhalt
Landmarks and Advances in Translational Lymphology.- Embryonic Development of the Lymphovascular System and Tumor Lymphangiogenesis.- Lymphatic Origin from Embryonic Stem Cells.- Lymphatic Markers, Tumour Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis.- Anatomy of the Human Lymphatic System.- SPECTCT Fusion Imaging Radionuclide Lymphoscintigraphy: Potential for Limb Lymphedema Assessment and Sentinel Node Detection In Breast Cancer.- Sentinel Node Identification using Radionuclides in Melanoma and Breast Cancer.- Targeted Introduction of Substances into the Lymph Nodes for Endolymphatic Therapy.- Mechanisms of Metastasis: Seed and Soil.- Preclinical Models of Regional Lymph Node Tumor Metastasis.- A New Breast Cancer Model for Lymphatic Metastasis.- Lymph Node Micrometastases in Lung Cancer.- Effects of Chemokines on Tumor Metastasis.- Regional Lymph Node Metastases, a Singular Manifestation of the Process of Clinical Metastases in Cancer: Contemporary Animal Research And Clinical Reports Suggest Unifying Concepts.- Patterns of Metastatsis in Head and Neck Cancer.- Patterns of Metastasis in Human Solid Cancers.- Significance of Regional Draining Lymph Nodes in the Development of Tumor Immunity: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy.- Targeting Small Molecules in Cancer.- Update on the Role of EGFR Inhibitors in Cancer Therapeutics.- New Promises in the Adjuvant, and Palliative Treatment of Melanoma.- Future Perspectives and Unanswered Questions on Cancer Metastasis and the Lymphovascular System.