During the past decade there has been an enormous increase in knowledge of multiple myeloma and related disorders, reflected in the publication of more than 5000 articles on the subject in scientific journals. Much of this has come about as new technologies have made it possible to refine studies on chromosomes and genes and to gain information about gene expression. It is therefore highly appropriate that this new comprehensive reference should appear at this time. The book covers the whole field of multiple myeloma, and also related diseases such as Waldemstrom's macroglobulinaemia, and incorporates both the basic science underlying the diseases and their clinical management. Each chapter has been written to 'stand alone', allowing the reader to dip into a particular subject and find information quickly without the need to browse through multiple chapters. In addition to the developments described above, all of which are considered here, many other approaches to targeted therapy are reviewed.
Indice testuale
Part 1. History of multiple myeloma Epidemiology and etiology of plasma cell neoplasms Part 2. The immune system in myeloma Molecular biology and cytogenetics Biology of the malignant plasma cell Pathophysiology of myeloma bone disease Part 3. Clinical features Hematologic investigations: Morphologic and phenotypic Part 4. Biochemical and immunological investigations The role of imaging in multiple myeloma Innovative approaches for diagnosis and monitoring Differential diagnosis and prognosis Part 5. Principles of management Chemotherapy, steroids and interferon Radiotherapy Autologous stem cell transplantation Allogeneic transplantation and treatment with donor lymphocytes Supportive care Biological basis of therapy: New molecular targets Immunotherapeutic approaches Part 6. Management of bone disease Management of myeloma patients with renal failure Neurologic aspects of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, and related disorders Part 7. Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance: the transition from MGUS to myeloma Solitary bone and extramedullary plasmacytoma Plasma cell leukaemia AL amyloidosis Heavy-chain diseases Waldenstroma (TM)s disease
