"Multiple Myeloma (MM), the second most common blood cancer in adults, is a clonal plasma cell malignancy within the bone marrow characterized by osteolytic bone lesions, renal disease, and immunodeficiency. It is now well established that MM cell- induced"

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.

Due to major advances in understanding the biology and pathogenesis of the disease, the management of multiple myeloma is changing rapidly. New diagnostic and prognostic criteria have been introduced, and treatment options are multiplying with high-dose chemotherapy regimens, stem cell transplants, and the development of novel agents and immune-based strategies that target tumor cells directly. This book is aimed at the practitioner who is looking to put these advances into clinical context. It will serve as an up-to-date resource for treatment of myeloma and related disorders. Chapters are written by international authorities and contain color photos, diagrams, and algorithms outlining preferred treatment strategies. Relevant scientific information is integrated throughout, but the focus here is on providing practical therapeutic guidance for oncologists and hematologists caring for myeloma patients. The book covers all myeloma subtypes and related disorders, including amyloidosis, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, plasmacytoma, MGUS, and POEMS syndrome.

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy, affecting 15,000 patients per year in the United States. Despite the advent of high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation, multiple myeloma remains incurable, with approximately 12,000 deaths per annum recorded in the US from the disease. Over the last 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma, which has provided insights into mechanisms of cytotoxic resistance, both as inherent characteristics of the myeloma cell and the protective interaction between the tumor and its bone marrow microenvironment. Moreover, advances in our understanding of multiple myeloma pathogenesis have helped further define the intricacies of this complex disease. This book provides a concise overview of the state-of-the-art in multiple myeloma and should be of primary interest to clinicians as well as scientists and related caregivers alike in this rapidly changing f.

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.