Bone marrow-based malignancy is becoming more commonplace. There have also been major advances in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of this common tumor type. In Biology and Management of Multiple Myeloma, expert physicians and clinical researchers summarize and explain the recent advances in the biology and treatment of this common B-cell tumor. On the biological side, the authors review the many important, clinically relevant discoveries that have been made in the last few years. They show the characteristics of the malignant cell and describe the significant roles played by oncogenic changes, chromosomal anomalies, Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus, and cytokines. New epidemiological findings and prognostic factors are also analyzed. On the clinical side, the authors provide a comprehensive review of conventional treatment regimens, as well as a discussion of newer experimental approaches involving immunologic targeting, inhibitors of drug resistance, and antitumor agents. The role of high-dose therapy is also discussed, along with the treatment of such complications as renal disease, anemia, and bone disease.
Comprehensive and authoritative, Biology and Management of Multiple Myeloma offers both clinicians and researchers a thoroughly up-to-date understanding of the new biology that can be directly applied not only to future laboratory studies, but also to the optimal treatment of myeloma patients today.