The European School of Oncology came into existence to respond to a need for information, education and training in the field of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. There are two main reasons why such an initiative was considered necessary. Firstly, the teaching of oncology requires a rigorously multidisciplinary approach which is difficult for the Universities to put into practice since their system is mainly disciplinary orientated. Secondly, the rate of technological development that impinges on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been so rapid that it is not an easy task for medical faculties to adapt their curricula flexibly. With its residential courses for organ pathologies and the seminars on new techniques (laser, monoclonal antibodies, imaging techniques etc.) or on the principal therapeutic controversies (conservative or mutilating surgery, primary or adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy alone or integrated), it is the ambition of the European School of Oncology to fill a cultural and scientific gap and, thereby, create a bridge between the University and Industry and between these two and daily medical practice. One of the more recent initiatives of ESO has been the institution of permanent study groups, also called task forces, where a limited number of leading experts are invited to meet once a year with the aim of defining the state of the art and possibly reaching a consensus on future developments in specific fields of oncology.

Klappentext

This is the sixth issue of the Monograph on various aspectsof the EndocrineTherapy of Breast Cancer. The monographincludes a broad spectrum of issues including aspects ofbreast cancer, prevention and molecular genetics, autocrineand paracrine growth factors, the molecular biology of theoestrogen receptor and methods of abrogating endocrineresistance and new aspects of the therapy withantioestrogens and antiprogestogens. There are also chapterson aspects of immunotherapy and adjuvant chemo-endocrinetherapy and quality of life issues. Special importance isgiven to the biological basis of the affects of endocrinetherapy. Inaddition to novel endocrine treatments theaffects of combined chemotherapy and endocrine therapy inthe adjuvant situation are discussed. Breast cancercontinues to represent an enormous challenge both to thebasic scientist and to the clinical researcher. The latestissue of the European School of Oncology Monograph will behelpful in promoting cross fertilisation between the basicand applied disciplines.

Inhalt
Recent Progress in Breast Cancer Genetic Epidemiology.- Hormonal Control of Breast Cancer Cell Cycle Progression.- Cyclical Activity and 'Ageing' of the Human Breast: Clues to Assessment of Risk and Strategies for Prevention.- Inhibition of Oestrogen Receptor Function by Antioestrogens.- Pure Antioestrogens A New Horizon in Breast Cancer Therapy?.- Drug Resistance to Antioestrogen Therapy.- Antiprogestational Treatment of Breast Cancer: Preclinical and Clinical Experience with Different Antiprogestins.- Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer: Problems and Potential.- Adjuvant Chemo-Endocrine Therapy.- Quality of Life Measures as Endpoints and Prognostic Factors in Advanced Breast Cancer.