Advanced Imaging and Therapy in Neuro-Oncology

This book covers all diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neuro-oncological diseases. In the last decade, the management of brain tumors has been revolutionized following the new WHO classification and thanks to the introduction of molecular markers into the clinical routine. From an imaging point of view, the continuous technological developments and the implementation of various radiopharmaceuticals have paved the way to new clinical indications and has helped optimize patient management. In this context, a major breakthrough could derive from the introduction of radiomics and artificial intelligence in the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. Not forgetting the emerging role of heavy-ion therapy as a complement to the innovative drugs and treatments adopted in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

In the present book, all above-mentioned aspects are covered, starting with the novel standards for the WHO classification of brain tumors, to the up-to-date surgical techniques and advanced therapeutic approaches, passing through the currently available imaging modalities and ongoing developments embracing both radiology and nuclear medicine discipline. Imaging represents indeed the “trait d'union” for all the arguments described in the book; therefore, in most chapters there are dedicated sessions focused on the role of imaging in each specific context.

The publication aims to fill the gap between the clinicians and all professionals directly involved in the management of patients with brain tumors and the newest scientific outreach. Moreover, thanks to the comprehensive insight into the latest technological developments, scientists and researchers interested in the topic will find the book a useful tool for future studies and perspective discoveries.

Basic clinics on diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors.- Advancements in brain tumor classification.- State of the art in radiological imaging.- Positron emission tomography with radiolabeled amino acid tracers.- New radiopharmaceuticals for brain tumor imaging.- Incremental role of radiomics and artificial intelligence.- Next frontiers in surgical management.- Current and future drugs for brain tumor treatment.- Radiation oncology and heavy ion therapy in brain tumor.

Egesta Lopci was born in Shkoder, Albania. She has graduated cum laude in Medicine and Surgery at the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy, and at the same University she finished her specialization in Nuclear Medicine and completed her PhD in Specialized Medical Sciences. Since 2017 she has obtained the Italian scientific qualification as Professor in Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy.  As Nuclear Medicine Consultant, she is directly involved in clinical and research activities with particular interest on molecular imaging applications for nuclear oncology. She is an active member of different organizations and research groups, and over the years, she has won several grants and over 11 awards and recognitions for her research activity. She is Author of more than 190 scientific papers, 6 monographic editions, 4 books and 12 chapters on Nuclear Medicine discipline, and more than 200 congress communications as (co)author, moderator and coordinator for societies such as EANM, SNMMI, AIMN, ESR, ESMO, ESTRO, EANO, RSNA, AINO, AIOM, EUA, AUA, CAYAHL, SIOP, and IMIG.

Luigi Mansi was born in Gragnano (Napoli), Italy, and he is actually Coordinator of the Section Health and Development, Interuniversity Research Center for Sustainability (CIRPS), and Scientific Secretary of the Association C. Russo for the fight against Cerebral Tumors. Graduated in Medicine and Specialized in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology and Radiotherapy, in all cases summa cum laude, teacher and lecturer since 1975, has been Professor of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department, Director of the Schools of Specialty in Nuclear Medicine and Radiology at the Campania University “L. Vanvitelli”.  Pioneer on PET research in neurosciences, having been Special Expert at NIH, Bethesda, in early 80’s, has been member and Deputy Dean of the European School of Nuclear Medicine and vice President of the Italian Association of Nuclear Medicine. Lecturer, chairman or organizer in tens of International events, is Author of more than 180 papers on Pubmed, Editor of international books (7 with Springer, including a Chinese version), tens of chapters in national and international books, Editor in chief, Co-Editor in Chief and Member of the EB of many scientific Journal.