At the time of the first edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy, this book represented the first comprehensive textbook on biological therapy. Whereas in 1991, when the second edition was published, there was still some doubt on the part of many oncologists and cancer researchers as to the therapeutic value of these new approaches, it is now generally agreed that biopharmaceuticals are producing major opportunities for new cancer therapies. Cancer biotherapy has truly matured into the fourth modality of cancer treatment. The third edition is now needed as a result of the tremendous progress that has been made in recent years using biologicals in cancer treatment.
The book summarizes an evolving science and a rapidly changing medical practice. As we near the millennium, it now becomes possible to envision a much more diversified system of cancer research and treatment that will afford greater opportunities for patients. Some forms of cancer biotherapy use the strategy of tumour stabilization and control through continued biological therapy, akin to the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes.
This textbook illustrates new methods of thinking and new strategies for control of cancer. It is always difficult to move from past dogma to future opportunity, but this third edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy illustrates why it is so important to the patients, for researchers and clinicians to explore and apply these new opportunities in cancer biotherapy.