Treatment Of Acute Leukemias

Although much progress has been made in the treatment of acute leukemia, there is still vigorous debate over the optimal methods for securing additional gains in event-free survival and for reducing the toxic side effects of "curative" therapy. In Treatment of Acute Leukemias: New Directions for Clinical Research, international experts not only review the state-of-the-art in managing children and adults with acute leukemia, but also debate the pros and cons of current controversial and problematic issues. The book summarizes the best diagnostic and treatment practices for newly diagnosed and relapsed acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia in children, adolescents, and adults. Among the therapies considered are methotrexate, asparaginase, antipurines, epipodophyllotoxins, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, hematopoietic growth factors, and immunotherapy. Problems of central-nervous-system therapy, minimal residual disease, drug resistance, and directions of future research are also considered. Discussion of each major topic by two distinguished groups of investigators ensures broad and balanced coverage. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Treatment of Acute Leukemias: New Directions for Clinical Research offers oncologists practical guidelines for precise diagnosis and optimal treatment of childhood and adult acute leukemia, as well as insights into those aspects of patient management most in need of further study and refinement.