Over the past few decades, lymphoma patient outcomes have improved as a result of multidrug chemotherapy and radiation therapy, intensification of treatment, improvement in supportive care, and better imaging and staging systems. Even more recently, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of cancer cell biology and its microenvironment which has resulted in the development of biologic agents, also called "target" therapies. These therapies are more specific in targeting cancer cells either directly or via enhancement of the immune system. Many clinical studies have focused on biological agents in combination with traditional chemotherapy with the goal of improved outcomes, or reduced acute long term complications that are associated with lymphoma therapy. This volume will review different classes of "target" drugs that have been developed, approved, or are under investigation in the field of lymphoma therapy. The discussion will not only be on the understanding of the mechanisms of action or clinical response of those agents, but will also help the reader to understand the nature of lymphoma biology in patients who relapse or are refractor after exposure to those drugs. Contributors will discuss what is currently known about mechanisms of tumor-related or host-related resistance, and how to overcome this resistance. This understanding is crucial given the dismal outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas. The book provides a unique opportunity to review and reflect on the recent successes and pitfalls of the modern lymphoma therapy era.

Over the past few decades, lymphoma patient outcomes have improved as a result of multidrug chemotherapy and radiation therapy, intensification of treatment, improvement in supportive care, and better imaging and staging systems. Even more recently, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of cancer cell biology and its microenvironment which has resulted in the development of biologic agents, also called "target" therapies. These therapies are more specific in targeting cancer cells either directly or via enhancement of the immune system. Many clinical studies have focused on biological agents in combination with traditional chemotherapy with the goal of improved outcomes, or reduced acute long term complications that are associated with lymphoma therapy. This volume will review different classes of "target" drugs that have been developed, approved, or are under investigation in the field of lymphoma therapy. The discussion will not only be on the understanding of the mechanisms of action or clinical response of those agents, but will also help the reader to understand the nature of lymphoma biology in patients who relapse or are refractor after exposure to those drugs. Contributors will discuss what is currently known about mechanisms of tumor-related or host-related resistance, and how to overcome this resistance. This understanding is crucial given the dismal outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas. The book provides a unique opportunity to review and reflect on the recent successes and pitfalls of the modern lymphoma therapy era.

Utilizes the proven Secrets Series format to present questions and answers in a convenient, readable, concise manner The text is intended to introduce the reader to the field of pediatric hematology/oncology. Each chapter will emphasize diagnosis, clinical management, therapeutics, and innovative concepts for the future. Highlights of the text include the following chapters: experimental therapeutics, the application of bone marrow and stem cell transplants for pediatric patients, and genetic and molecular diagnostics. There is a section dealing with quality of life and death issues such as supportive care, psychosocial aspects of care of the child with cancer, palliative care, and management of the dying child. Other chapters relate and differentiate disease entities based upon the age of the patient, newborn through adolescent.Each topic covered will discuss diagnosis, clinical management, therapeutics, and innovative concepts for the future. Concise answers that also feature the authors' pearls, tips, memory aids, and "secrets" Bulleted lists and pertinent tables for quick review and reference Succinct chapters written by experts in pediatric hematology and oncology All the most important "need-to-know" questions and answers in the proven format of the highly acclaimed Secrets Series Thorough, highly detailed index