Fast Facts Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most diagnosed childhood cancer worldwide. Although rare in adults, this aggressive cancer also shows a second smaller incidence peak in later middle age.

Modern genetic profiling techniques are providing a better understanding of the molecular biology of ALL, which, in turn, is leading to significant advances in diagnosis, prognostication and therapy selection. Ongoing refinement of risk-adapted frontline treatment protocols, use of novel targeted therapies and better supportive care are improving outcomes for patients with ALL.

Fast Facts: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia covers the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and classification of ALL as well as the measurement of minimal residual disease to determine prognosis. It provides guidance on frontline therapies and the treatment of relapsed and refractory ALL, including the use of newer targeted agents and the role of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Looking to the future, it also considers the approaches and refinements that are in development for ALL. Table of Contents:

Leukemia is a hematologic malignancy arising from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. Starting with a detailed description of hematopoiesis and what goes wrong in leukemia, this concise guide covers all aspects of the four most common subtypes of the disease. Although the incidence and prevalence of leukemia are rising worldwide, survival rates are also increasing. However, both the effects of the disease and the adverse effects of treatment remain complex challenges. Yet, as our understanding of the molecular landscape increases, therapeutic options are becoming more personalized. This revised and updated second edition of 'Fast Facts: Leukemia' addresses the causes and risk factors for each subtype of leukemia, the initial and confirmatory diagnostic tests, and the latest treatment options. Designed as a comprehensive primer for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, primary care providers, oncology nurses, hematology/ oncology trainees and pharmacists, this resource will help the non-specialist and those in training to identify leukemia early and provide a thorough understanding of the pathology and genetic basis of the disease, treatment options, and effective approaches to emergency and supportive care. Table of Contents: • Understanding blood and its components • What is leukemia? • Epidemiology, etiology and risk factors • Diagnosis • Staging and general management • Supportive care • Emergencies in leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most diagnosed leukemia in the Western world, accounting for approximately 25% of all new leukemia diagnoses. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of both the pathophysiology and genetics of CLL. While the disease generally affects older adults and initially follows an indolent course, cytogenetic and molecular profiling have helped to predict clinical outcomes. Greater prognostication, alongside the development of an increasing armamentarium of novel targeted therapies, has enabled us to provide more personalized management options for patients. 'Fast Facts: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia' covers the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and staging of the disease, and the molecular and genetic aspects that underpin treatment and prognosis. It provides a concise overview of treatment options, in both the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings, with particular focus on the novel targeted agents that have overcome many adverse prognostic factors, improving overall survival. Table of Contents: • Epidemiology and etiology • Molecular biology and genetics • Diagnosis, staging and prognosis • Management • Research directions

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slow-growing type of blood cancer and the most common form of leukemia in adults. CLL results in large numbers of abnormal B lymphocytes in the bone marrow and prevents the production of healthy blood cells. It is more commonly diagnosed in older people: almost 80% of cases are in people over 60 years old. Changes in chromosomes or genes in some patients affect how the disease develops and what treatment is prescribed. CLL cannot be completely cured but many people will have a normal lifespan and a good quality of life.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of all aspects of childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, from basic biology to supportive care. It offers new insights into the genetic pre-disposition to the condition and discusses how response to early therapy and its basic biology are utilized to develop new prognostic stratification systems and target therapy. Readers will learn about current treatment and outcomes, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches. Supportive care and management of the condition in resource poor countries are also discussed in detail. This is an indispensable guide for research and laboratory scientists, pediatric hematologists as well as specialist nurses involved in the care of childhood leukemia.

This last year has seen the approval of the first targeted treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - following decades with no new developments and a poor prognosis for most patients with the disease. The new drugs reflect the remarkable progress that has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of AML and its underlying cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities - which differ not only between patients but also within a patient over time and with treatment. 'Fast Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia' provides a comprehensive yet concise foundation for understanding AML: from basic epidemiology, diagnosis, classification and the current 'standard' treatment, through to recent advances in our understanding of the cytogenetic and molecular underpinnings of the disease, such as the IDH2 mutation, and the future for tailored therapy. It will be useful to primary care providers, medical students, specialist nurses, junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals who want to develop a thorough grounding in our evolving understanding of AML and its treatment. Contents: • Epidemiology, pathophysiology and etiology • Diagnosis • Treatment • Supportive care • Prognosis and monitoring • Emerging treatments • Useful resources

Aunque la incidencia y prevalencia de leucemia está aumentando a nivel mundial, los avances en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento indican que las tasas de supervivencia también están aumentando. Comenzando con una descripción detallada de la hematopoyesis y lo que está mal en caso de la leucemia, esta guía concisa abarca todos los aspectos de los cuatro subtipos más frecuentes de la enfermedad: leucemia mieloide aguda (AML), leucemia linfoblástica aguda (ALL), leucemia mieloide crónica (CML) y leucemia linfocítica crónica (CLL). Este libro considera las causas y factores de riesgo para cada subtipo de leucemia, las pruebas diagnósticas iniciales y confirmatorias (incluyendo métodos de citogenética y genética molecular) y las opciones de tratamiento más recientes. Tanto los efectos de la enfermedad como los efectos adversos del tratamiento siguen representando un desafío complejo y se considera el abordaje multidisciplinario necesario para una atención de apoyo efectiva. Por último, se examinan las complicaciones urgentes que requieren atención de emergencia. Diseñado como una guía integral para enfermeras especializadas, médicos de atención primaria y residentes de hematología/oncología, este recurso ayudará a quienes no son especialistas a identificar la leucemia en etapas tempranas y proporciona una comprensión detallada de la patología y la base genética de la enfermedad, las opciones de tratamiento y los abordajes efectivos a la atención de urgencia y cuidados de apoyo.