This authoritative volume contains 179 chapters by international experts on recent developments in our understanding of amyloid proteins, protein folding disorders, and new and proposed clinical trials in amyloidosis. Topics include detection and characterization techniques; biological functions; genetics; disorders, diagnosis, and treatments, including organ transplants and drug therapies; results from extensive clinical studies; and epidemiology. This is a valuable resource for clinicians who care for patients with systemic and localized forms of amyloidosis, and for researchers in biochemistry, neurobiology, and cell biology.

Plasma cell dyscrasias are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Peri- pheral neuropathy may be the first manifestation of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Peripheral neuropathy occurs in more than one-half of patients with osteosclerotic myeloma. The hematologic disorders are such an important association with peripheral polyneuropathy that, for the last decade, we have obtained a metastatic bone survey and immunoelectrophoresis of serum and a 24-hour urine specimen on all patients older than 40 years with undiagnosed peripheral neuropathy. This textbook on polyneuropathies and plasma cell dyscrasia is welcome, because the subject is of considerable medical importance and because the authors are expert in these disorders. Kelly's studies have shown that a systematic search for monoclonal proteins in plasma and urine among patients with neuropathy of unknown cause increases diagnostic yield. Latov's studies have focused on the role of myelin associated glycoproteins (MAG) in the induction of neuropathy. Kyle, director of the Special Protein Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, brings a broad clinical and laboratory perspective and experi- ence. The timing of the textbook is just right, because there is much new information which needs to be summarized.

Plasma cell dyscrasias are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Peri- pheral neuropathy may be the first manifestation of multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Peripheral neuropathy occurs in more than one-half of patients with osteosclerotic myeloma. The hematologic disorders are such an important association with peripheral polyneuropathy that, for the last decade, we have obtained a metastatic bone survey and immunoelectrophoresis of serum and a 24-hour urine specimen on all patients older than 40 years with undiagnosed peripheral neuropathy. This textbook on polyneuropathies and plasma cell dyscrasia is welcome, because the subject is of considerable medical importance and because the authors are expert in these disorders. Kelly's studies have shown that a systematic search for monoclonal proteins in plasma and urine among patients with neuropathy of unknown cause increases diagnostic yield. Latov's studies have focused on the role of myelin associated glycoproteins (MAG) in the induction of neuropathy. Kyle, director of the Special Protein Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, brings a broad clinical and laboratory perspective and experi- ence. The timing of the textbook is just right, because there is much new information which needs to be summarized.

This authoritative volume contains 179 chapters by international experts on recent developments in our understanding of amyloid proteins, protein folding disorders, and new and proposed clinical trials in amyloidosis. Topics include detection and characterization techniques; biological functions; genetics; disorders, diagnosis, and treatments, including organ transplants and drug therapies; results from extensive clinical studies; and epidemiology. This is a valuable resource for clinicians who care for patients with systemic and localized forms of amyloidosis, and for researchers in biochemistry, neurobiology, and cell biology.

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.