Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Premalignant State and Its Prevention : Proceedings of the Falk Symposium 109 Held in Titisee, Germany, October 14-15, 1998

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of tumour-associated death in Western countries, and its incidence has been increasing in recent decades. The most important determinant for the course of the disease is tumour stage at the time of diagnosis.
The detection of molecular changes in tumour tissue and in benign adenomatous polyps has improved our knowledge of colorectal carcinogenesis. Diseases with a high risk for malignant transformation, as well as family predisposition as an independent risk factor, have been identified. Furthermore, dietary and environmental factors, together with the intake of aspirin and other NSAIDs, influence tumor development. This implies new ways of specific testing for early diagnosis and new prevention strategies based on endoscopy and drug therapy.
The main topics of this book, the proceedings of the international Falk Symposium No. 109, held in Titisee, Germany, on October 14-15, 1998, are molecular mechanisms, premalignant state and prevention. State-of-the-art chapters deliver the latest scientific developments on every topic, followed by more detailed chapters on specific items.