Acute Leukemias Ix

Acute Leukemias IX provides an extended and thorough overview of recent developments in cell biology and experimental therapy for acute leukemias. Following the tradition of the Acute Leukemias series since 1987, this book bridges the gap between basic research and clinical studies and emphasizes that both aspects are equally necessary to achieve improvements, not only in understanding the disease but also in providing better therapy. As a forum for world-wide activities in the field of acute leukemias the volume contains invaluable contributions that provide the reader with new, previously unpublished information.

Better therapy of acute leukemias depends ultimately on better understanding of the distinction between leukemic and normal progenitor cells. This hugely important new book describes the current knowledge of acute leukemia biology and discusses new classification systems that have arisen as a result of emerging insights into pathogenesis. Estey, Faderl and Kantarjian, who all work at the respected Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, USA, examine in detail advances in the treatment of particular types of acute leukemia. Their book also covers the management of acute leukemia in general as well as the development of new therapies. This book will be extremely useful to clinicians.

Written by expert research teams, this book describes different aspects of both acute myeloid and acute lymphocytic leukemia, specifically their pathobiology, classification/diagnosis, and treatment. Chapters highlight current research as well as the gold standards for diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, examining recent advances in personalized approaches to acute leukemia.

This volume provides a comprehensive account of the most recent trends in human leukemia, as presented at the Ninth Wilsede Meeting. The internationally renowned contributors deal with all different aspects of these diseases: As well as discussing important clinical aspects of leukemia, new information on the biological basis of leukemia gained using the methods of molecular genetics, cell and molecular biology, virology, and immunology is covered. The book shows both the complexity of leukemia research, as well as the value of basic scientific research in furthering clinical medicine and therapy.

The objective of the treatment of acute leukemia involves the eradication of all neoplastic cells, including the last one. Ideally, treatment should be controlled by monitoring cell kill. If the last cells could be discovered and their biological properties be determined, the qualitative and quantitative effects of treatment should be directly evaluable. This should ultimately permit a calculated tumor cell reduction thereby avoiding overtreatment and excessive toxicity and thus providing a basis for individualized antileukemic treatment. In recent years several new developments have contributed to the selective discovery of minimal numbers of leukemic cells which are hidden among the normal cells in the marrow cavities. These methods are the first steps to the realization of the therapeutic goals indicated above. They include the production and ap plication of monoclonal antibodies against differentiation antigens on the cell sur face, the use of pulse cytophotometry - and cell sorter techniques, the employment of cytogenetics, the development of culture techniques for selective growth of precursor cells and several others. These methodologies offer prospects for refined diagnosis and, as far as the elimination of leukemic cells is concerned, the further development of autologous bone marrow transplantation. Eliminating tumor cells from autologous grafts requires the detailed knowledge of the cellular inter relationships within the neoplasm so that the neoplastic cells responsible for tumor propagation are specifically removed. Recognition and characterization of the clonogenic cells of the neoplasm should then lead to determining their sensitivity to the therapeutic agents which are clinically applied.

Edited by experts from one of the world’s largest leukemia centers, this book provides information on the biology of the variety of leukemic disorders, up-to-date diagnostic testing and many new developments in therapy. Chapters covering new treatments present an outlook for the future and explain the rationale for ongoing clinical trials. Topics include: Targeted therapy, e.g. tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Flt3, Aurora kinase inhibitors, kit inhibitors, BCR-ABL inhibitors) Ras inhibitors Epigenetic therapy (hypomethylaters and histone deacetylase inhibitors) Lenalidomide analogs New chemotherapy drugs, e.g. clofarabine, cloretazine, sapacitabine, forodesine Combinations of chemotherapy with kinase inhibitors (e.g. ALL induction protocols in combination with dasatinib or imatinib) New monoclonal antibodies (lumiliximab, humaxCD20, anti-CD40) Thrombopoietic agents Leukemias: Principles and Practice of Therapy Includes practical information to guide you in challenging situations, such as treatment of elderly patients, pregnancy, relapsed and refractory disease Incorporates chapters on supportive care and pharmacologic information about the most frequently used drugs in this area

In Treatment of Acute Leukemias, international experts not only review the state-of-the-art in managing children and adults with acute leukemia, but also debate the pros and cons of current controversial and problematic issues. The book summarizes the best diagnostic and treatment practices for acute leukemias in children, adolescents, and adults. Among the therapies discussed are methotrexate, asparaginase, antipurines, epipodophyllotoxins, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, hematopoietic growth factors, and immunotherapy.