Main description:

A comprehensive and critical review of the latest scientific advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics and biology of CLL and their application to the best management of CLL. The authors focus on diagnosis, prognosis, multifaceted treatment options, and complications. Among the diverse treatments considered are chemotherapy, autologous and allogenic transplantations, monoclonal antibody therapy, immunotoxin therapy, gene therapy, and several new therapeutic strategies. Familial and juvenile chronic lymphocytic leukemia are also discussed.

Contents:

Part I. Introduction

The Natural History of CLL: Historical Perspective
Gerald E. Marti and Vincent Zenger

Part II. Biology and Genetics

Genetics of B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Stephan Stilgenbauer, Peter Lichter, and Hartmut Doehner

Molecular Biology of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
William G. Wierda

The Heterogeneous Origin of the B-CLL Cell
Terry Hamblin

Pathogenesis of Impaired Cellular Immune Function in CLL
Patrick B. Johnston and Neil E. Kay

Cytokines and Soluble Molecules in CLL
Enrica Orsini and Robin Foa

Part III. Clinical Aspects: Diagnosis

Immunophenotypic Differential Diagnosis and Cell Cycle Analysis
Vonda K. Douglas and Raul C. Braylan

Common Cytogenetic Abnormalities
Gunnar Juliusson

Immunophenotypic Diagnosis of Leukemic B-Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders Other Than Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Alberto Orfao, Julia Almeida, Maria Luz Sanchez, and Jesus F. San Miguel

Part IV. Clinical Aspects: Prognosis

Staging of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Kanti R. Rai and Niraj Gupta. Prognostic Indicators of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Francesc Bosch and Emili Montserrat

Part V. Clinical Aspects: Treatment

Guidelines for Clinical Management of CLL
Guillaume Dighiero

Chemotherapy of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Alessandra Ferrajoli, Michael J. Keating, and Susan M. O'Brien

Autologous and Allogeneic Transplantations for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Mauricette Michallet

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Thomas S. Lin, Margaret S. Lucas, and John C. Byrd

Immunotoxin Therapy of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Arthur E. Frankel and Robert J. Kreitman

New Treatment Strategies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Upendra P. Hegde and WyndhamH. Wilson

Gene Therapy of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Januario E. Castro and Thomas J. Kipps

Part VI. Clinical Aspects: Complications

Infections in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Gerald P. Bodey, Dimitrios Kontoyiannis, and Michael J. Keating

Autoimmune and Hypersplenic Cytopenias
Terry Hamblin

Clonal Evolution and Second Malignancies in B-CLL
Guy B. Faguet

Part VII. Familial and Juvenile Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Inherited Predisposition to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Martin R. Yuille, Daniel Catovsky, and Richard S. Houlston

Young Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Francesca R. Mauro and Robin Foa

Index