Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders

Description

During the last 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. Microarray is in its early stage but already there have been pattern descriptions that may have prognostic implications. The impact of chromosomal abnormalities is now clearer than before, and the complicated interaction between the stroma cells, the myeloma cells, and numerous cytokines and their receptors has been better explained. Attempts have been made to utilize this new knowledge to develop targeted therapy and although results are still modest, improvements have been obtained with thalidomide and analogues, as well as with proteasome inhibitors. 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 Waldemstr?m'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 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.