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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Molecular Genetics, Biology, Diagnosis, and Management
Leukemia Research 28 (2004) 995
Book review
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Molecular Genetics, Biology, Diagnosis, and Management Guy B. Faguet, Humana Press, 2003, 421 pp. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually described as the most common leukemia in the western world. However, according to the last available surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) data (year 2000), the incidence of CLL began declining, to become the second most common leukemia after acute myeloid leukemia. Recent studies have provided fascinating insight into the potential pathogenesis and pathophysiology of CLL. Features of leukemia cells have been identified that can distinguish subsets of patients that have different tendencies for disease progression. Therapy has changed dramatically over the past decade, with recent studies supporting the use of purine analogues as single agent or in combination with other agents including monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, recognition of specific microenvironmental growth and survival factors like AKT, protein kinase C, phosphodiesterase 4, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase offer the opportunity for novel targets for disease intervention. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Molecular Genetics, Biology, Diagnosis, and Management edited by Guy B. Faguet is an excellent book that reviews recent advances in molecular genetics and biology of CLL, as well as recent advances in management of this disease. This book is divided in 23 chapters carefully prepared by 43 scientists, clinical researchers, and senior experts from 24 institutions in the United States and Europe. Chapters are organized into seven sectional themes. The first section includes a detailed his-
0145-2126/$ – see front matter © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2004.01.005
torical review that every scientist will enjoy while learning about the accumulated experiences of this disease through the last two centuries. The other sections cover in detail the different aspects of CLL including recent advances in biology and genetics, diagnostic and prognostic indicators, the advent of new treatment options, and subsequent clinical complications. Familial and juvenile CLL are also discussed. Among the diverse treatments considered are chemotherapy, autologous and allogeneic transplantations, monoclonal antibody therapy, immunotoxin therapy, gene therapy, and several promising new therapeutic strategies. The information found throughout the 421 pages is up-to-date and well organized. Almost every chapter includes sufficient amount of illustrations and tables, often extracted from original articles, which can be referred to as useful summaries of data and results. References are well matched and are of great help for the reader who is willing to explore more about the disease. The book is printed on acid-free paper and its price is reasonable. In addition, one can access the eBook online for an additional fee. In summary, this book has served well its purpose in discussing all the fascinating aspects of CLL as it explores thoroughly the literature, the basic research developments, and the accumulated data of clinical trials. This extensive work will be a great addition to medical libraries and will be enjoyed not only by researchers and clinicians but by trainees as well. Elie G. Dib M.D. James P. Wilmot Cancer Center Rochester, NY, USA Available online 1 April 2004
Book review
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Molecular Genetics, Biology, Diagnosis, and Management Guy B. Faguet, Humana Press, 2003, 421 pp. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually described as the most common leukemia in the western world. However, according to the last available surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) data (year 2000), the incidence of CLL began declining, to become the second most common leukemia after acute myeloid leukemia. Recent studies have provided fascinating insight into the potential pathogenesis and pathophysiology of CLL. Features of leukemia cells have been identified that can distinguish subsets of patients that have different tendencies for disease progression. Therapy has changed dramatically over the past decade, with recent studies supporting the use of purine analogues as single agent or in combination with other agents including monoclonal antibodies. Moreover, recognition of specific microenvironmental growth and survival factors like AKT, protein kinase C, phosphodiesterase 4, mammalian target of rapamycin, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase offer the opportunity for novel targets for disease intervention. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Molecular Genetics, Biology, Diagnosis, and Management edited by Guy B. Faguet is an excellent book that reviews recent advances in molecular genetics and biology of CLL, as well as recent advances in management of this disease. This book is divided in 23 chapters carefully prepared by 43 scientists, clinical researchers, and senior experts from 24 institutions in the United States and Europe. Chapters are organized into seven sectional themes. The first section includes a detailed his-
0145-2126/$ – see front matter © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.leukres.2004.01.005
torical review that every scientist will enjoy while learning about the accumulated experiences of this disease through the last two centuries. The other sections cover in detail the different aspects of CLL including recent advances in biology and genetics, diagnostic and prognostic indicators, the advent of new treatment options, and subsequent clinical complications. Familial and juvenile CLL are also discussed. Among the diverse treatments considered are chemotherapy, autologous and allogeneic transplantations, monoclonal antibody therapy, immunotoxin therapy, gene therapy, and several promising new therapeutic strategies. The information found throughout the 421 pages is up-to-date and well organized. Almost every chapter includes sufficient amount of illustrations and tables, often extracted from original articles, which can be referred to as useful summaries of data and results. References are well matched and are of great help for the reader who is willing to explore more about the disease. The book is printed on acid-free paper and its price is reasonable. In addition, one can access the eBook online for an additional fee. In summary, this book has served well its purpose in discussing all the fascinating aspects of CLL as it explores thoroughly the literature, the basic research developments, and the accumulated data of clinical trials. This extensive work will be a great addition to medical libraries and will be enjoyed not only by researchers and clinicians but by trainees as well. Elie G. Dib M.D. James P. Wilmot Cancer Center Rochester, NY, USA Available online 1 April 2004