Cancer Symptom Science: Measurement, Mechanisms, and Management

Cancer Symptom Science is the first interdisciplinary compilation of research on the mechanisms underlying the expression of cancer-related symptoms. It presents innovations in clinical, animal and in vitro research, research methods in brain imaging, and statistical-descriptive approaches to understanding the mechanistic basis of symptom expression. This volume also provides perspectives from patients, government and industry. By collecting and synthesizing the developing threads of new approaches to understanding cancer-related symptoms, the book promotes a pioneering framework for merging behavioral and biological disciplines to clarify mechanisms of symptom evolution, incorporating new technologies, testing novel agents for symptom control, and improving patient functioning and quality of life both during and after cancer treatment. With an expert editorial team led by Charles S. Cleeland, an internationally-recognized leader in cancer pain assessment and treatment, this is essential reading for surgical, clinical and medical oncologists, academic researchers, and pharmaceutical companies developing new agents to control symptom expression.

Charles S. Cleeland is McCullough Professor of Cancer Research and Chair of the Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Michael J. Fisch, M.D., MPH is Chair of the Department of General Oncology in the Division of Cancer Medicine at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Fisch is a national leader in symptom management and survivorship care. His research and clinical work in this area focuses on the assessment and management of patients with complex symptom problems from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, during survivorship and at the end of life. As medical director of the M. D. Anderson Community Clinical Oncology Program Research Base, Dr Fisch also oversees a network of M. D. Anderson managed clinical trials aimed at cancer control, prevention and therapy implemented and conducted efficiently in a community environment.

Adrian J. Dunn is Professor of Psychology, Pacific Biosciences Research Center and Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.