Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal stem cell diseases that, under the World Health Organization classification, are subcategorized into eight clinicopathologic entities. The current book focuses on three of these categories: polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. A number of important questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of these diseases have arisen following the discovery of the JAK2 V617F mutation in the majority of patients with bcr/abl-negative MPNs.
This book comprises evidence-based reviews and expert consensus results. It offers comprehensive coverage of relevant laboratory and clinical advances and places great emphasis on the practical issues that challenge physicians in their daily practice. The main topics considered thus include contemporary diagnostic approaches, the value and limitations of mutation screening for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, risk stratification in terms of both survival and other disease complications such as leukemic transformation and thrombosis, and modern therapeutic strategies, including conventional drugs, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and experimental drugs still under study. The reader will find Critical Concepts and Management Recommendations in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms to be an invaluable and up-to-date source of information from leading authorities in the field.

From the contents:<br />Biology:<br />Update<br />Do we need biology studies for patient management?<br />Gerneral Issues in the Management of MPNs:<br />Critical Issues about the Diagnosis of MPNs<br />Patient's Information and Examinations Needed before Planning Therapy <br />Specific Issues of Treatment in PV and ET:<br />Risk classification<br />Goal of Therapy<br />First-line Therapy and Monitoring the Response in the Individual Patient<br />Primary and Secondary Antithrombotic Prophylaxis<br />When to change Therapy: Second Line Options<br />The Evolution in Myelofibrosis and Leukemia<br />Treatment of PMF:<br />Current Clinical Needs<br />Risk Stratification<br />Goal of Therapy: Palliation and Curative<br />Research Issues and Perspectives:<br />New drugs<br />Ongoing Clinical Trials<br />How to Design Clinical Studies in Rare Diseases