Towards Individualized Therapy for Multiple Myeloma


Book Description

This very provocative book takes the reader on a OC think-out-of-the-boxOCO journey through the development of a treatment regimen for multiple myeloma called OC dtZOCO. It is a firsthand account of how more than 50 patients with myeloma were given a non-toxic, precisely-targeted, anti-cancer treatment that was specifically adapted to their individual cancers. These Individualized Anti-Cancer Targeted Therapies (smart bombs) have produced amongst the best responses as well as survival rates for myeloma. Accordingly, the author argues that some patients might even have been OC curedOCO of their cancers. The concepts and logic behind OC dtZOCO are carefully presented in simple language so that both doctors and patients can easily understand them. Numerous tables and figures are provided, together with clear and simple explanations. This book is a valuable resource for all patients with myeloma who want to get the most out of their treatment by individualizing treatment to suit their needs, particularly for patients who have just been diagnosed with myeloma and who are taking that very important first step in their treatment. It is also a useful guide for doctors, nurses and researchers who treat and/or study myeloma.




Multiple Myeloma


Book Description

Multiple myeloma is currently still an incurable disease, but during the past decade knowledge of its molecular pathogenesis has increased rapidly. This has led to remarkable progress in both diagnosis and therapy, including in particular the approval of novel and first-in-class drugs such as thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide. This book, written by internationally acknowledged experts, covers a wide range of topics relating to multiple myeloma, including history, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, staging, and prognostic systems. The principal focus, however, is on therapy, with detailed information on the various promising treatment options which give hope that this cancer will be transformed into a chronic disease or even become curable. Individualized therapy and the variety of supportive treatment options, as described in this volume, will help in achieving this goal, as well as in reducing adverse events and improving quality of life.




The EBMT/EHA CAR-T Cell Handbook


Book Description

This first open access European CAR-T Handbook, co-promoted by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the European Hematology Association (EHA), covers several aspects of CAR-T cell treatments, including the underlying biology, indications, management of side-effects, access and manufacturing issues. This book, written by leading experts in the field to enhance readers’ knowledge and practice skills, provides an unparalleled overview of the CAR-T cell technology and its application in clinical care, to enhance readers’ knowledge and practice skills.




Multiple Myeloma


Book Description

This is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art guide to the diagnosis, treatment, and biology of multiple myeloma and related plasma disorders. Edited and written by a multidisciplinary group of recognized authorities from the Mayo Clinic, it presents clear guidelines on diagnosis and therapy and covers all aspects of multiple myeloma, from molecular classification and diagnosis, to risk stratification and therapy. Closely related plasma cell disorders such as solitary plasmacytoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and light chain amyloidosis are discussed in detail as well. The book addresses often overlooked topics, including the role of radiation therapy, vertebral augmentation, and supportive care. Our understanding of this group of disorders is developing at an unprecedented rate, and Multiple Myeloma meets the need among oncologists and hematologists for a clear, timely, and authoritative resource on their biology, diagnosis, and treatment.




Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully


Book Description

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully provides valuable insight into the experience of patients and families living with advanced cancer and describes a novel psychotherapeutic approach to help them live meaningfully, while also facing the threat of mortality. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully, also known by the acronym CALM, is a brief supportive-expressive intervention that can be delivered by a wide range of trained healthcare providers as part of cancer care or early palliative care. The authors provide an overview of the clinical experience and research that led to the development of CALM, a clear description of the intervention, and a manualized guide to aid in its delivery. Situated in the context of early palliative care, this text is destined to be become essential reading for healthcare professionals engaged in providing psychological support to patients and their families who face the practical and profound problems of advanced disease.




Update on Multiple Myeloma


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in the clinical and research fields of multiple myeloma. It is divided into three main sections that cover a wide range of topics, including: epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease, genetic targets and pathways, resistance to novel therapies, angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, role of radiology and radiotherapy in myeloma, infectious complications, and management of multiple myeloma in resource-poor countries.




Personalized Therapy for Multiple Myeloma


Book Description

This book provides the clinician with concise, practical guidance on risk stratification and therapeutic decision making in patients with multiple myeloma. In addition, the available clinical trial and research data are summarized into meaningful reviews and evidence-based recommendations for treatment are presented. The coverage encompasses all phases and forms of disease, including high-risk myeloma. Over recent decades, greater understanding of the biology of myeloma has fostered the development of new, more effective drugs, leading to remarkable improvements in survival. To continue this momentum, several recent prospective trials have aimed to identify further potential therapeutic targets or to evaluate various combinations of anti-myeloma agents. The increasing abundance of management options makes the decision making complex in different phases of the disease. This book will offer the clinician valuable assistance in the choice and sequencing of therapies, highlighting the need for a personalized approach that reflects the growing recognition that myeloma is not one uniform disease.




The Basics of Cancer Immunotherapy


Book Description

This book provides patients and their physicians (especially “non-oncologist” health care providers) with a clear and concise introduction to cancer immunotherapy, which, unlike traditional forms of cancer therapy, acts by boosting the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. The unique features of cancer immunotherapy make its management, monitoring and side-effects different from those of traditional cancer therapy. Especially novel are the side effects of cancer immunotherapy, necessitating greater awareness for both patients and physicians in order to minimize complications of therapy. The patient-friendly, concise, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date knowledge presented in this book will inform patients about the benefits and risks of cancer immunotherapy, and help them and their care providers to understand how immunotherapy would control their unique disease. Researchers and academic professionals in the field of cancer immunotherapy will also find clear and useful information to help them communicate with patients or address unresolved problems. Some key features of the book are: Expertise. All editors and authors are scientists and oncologists specializing in cancer immunotherapy, and are involved in scientific discovery from the early stage of immune-checkpoint inhibitors to today’s daily patient care. Their insights, expertise and experience guarantee the high quality and authority in the science, medicine and practice of cancer immunotherapy. Patient-friendly. This book is written for cancer patients in order to meet their needs when considering immunotherapy. As an educational tool, this book will help the reader balance the risks and benefits based on both science and clinical facts, and therefore to make the best choice in receiving or withdrawing from immunotherapy. Disease Specificity. Cancer is a complicated disease involving multiple stages and pathology. Its response to immunotherapy is individualized and varies depending on cancer types. The authors’ expertise in treating different types of cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder, and lymphoma, provides disease-specific insights in applying immunotherapy to each disease.




Proteasome Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy


Book Description

A panel of leading academic and pharmaceutical investigators takes stock of the remarkable work that has been accomplished to date with proteasome inhibitors in cancer, and examines emerging therapeutic possibilities. The topics range from a discussion of the chemistry and cell biology of the proteasome and the rationale for proteasome inhibitors in cancer to a review of current clinical trials underway. The discussion of rationales for testing proteasome inhibitors in cancer models covers the role of the proteasome in NF-kB activation, the combining of conventional chemotherapy and radiation with proteasome inhibition, notably PS-341, new proteasome methods of inhibiting viral maturation, and the role of protesome inhibition in the treatment of AIDS. The authors also document the development of bortezomib (VelcadeTM) in Phase I clinical trials and in a multicentered Phase II clinical trials in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma.




Policy Issues in the Clinical Development and Use of Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment


Book Description

Immunotherapy is a form of cancer therapy that harnesses the body's immune system to destroy cancer cells. In recent years, immunotherapies have been developed for several cancers, including advanced melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. In some patients with metastatic cancers who have not responded well to other treatments, immunotherapy treatment has resulted in complete and durable responses. Given these promising findings, it is hoped that continued immunotherapy research and development will produce better cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes. With this promise, however, there is also recognition that the clinical and biological landscape for immunotherapies is novel and not yet well understood. For example, adverse events with immunotherapy treatment are quite different from those experienced with other types of cancer therapy. Similarly, immunotherapy dosing, therapeutic responses, and response time lines are also markedly different from other cancer therapies. To examine these challenges and explore strategies to overcome them, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a workshop in February and March of 2016. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.