Fast Facts: Glioblastoma
Fast Facts: Glioblastoma

Author: Mairéad McNamara

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2020-02-26

Total Pages: 76

ISBN-13: 1912776707

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Glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme) is a malignant intrinsic tumor thought to arise from populations of stem/progenitor cells in the brain. It is the most common aggressive intrinsic brain tumor in adults, with the potential to spread rapidly within the brain. Patients with glioblastoma face a poor prognosis, with median overall survival of approximately 15 months. However, our growing understanding of the molecular biology of gliomas means that this outlook may be improving. The identification of clinically relevant subgroups defined by specific genetic mutations is challenging the traditional delineation between low- and high-grade gliomas that has been based on histological appearance and imaging. Indeed, it is becoming clear that, as a molecular entity, a glioblastoma, which by traditional classification is a grade IV glioma, may present with a lower grade initially and then become more aggressive – an important addition to the established concept. The care of a patient with a glioblastoma requires a coordinated approach delivered by a multidisciplinary team, with the aim of maintaining quality of life for as long as possible. Here, we provide a concise overview of the diagnosis and management of glioblastoma, as well as discussion of our emerging understanding of the molecular drivers that are helping us to delineate different patient subgroups. These subgroups will, hopefully, allow more targeted treatments in the future. This resource will be of interest to all those involved in caring for patients with this aggressive brain tumor, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, palliative care specialists, specialist nurses and medical students. Contents: • Epidemiology, pathophysiology and classification • Clinical presentation • Diagnosis • Management • Treatment of associated conditions • Emerging research and treatment

Fast Facts: Brain Tumors
Fast Facts: Brain Tumors

Author: Lauren E. Abrey

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2011-01-01

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 1905832877

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Despite the availability of many effective treatments, there remains a therapeutic nihilism associated with brain tumors. This highly readable second edition of 'Fast Facts: Brain Tumors' challenges this view, starting from the premise that patients with brain tumors can truly benefit from a thoughtful multidisciplinary approach. This comprehensive handbook covers all the salient features of the various brain tumors and treatment modalities in a way that will be useful to the practicing clinician. • Advances in radiology and pathology that have led to more precise and detailed diagnoses • Developments in molecular biology and imaging techniques that have improved available diagnostic modalities • New neurosurgical techniques that have enabled operations on tumors that were previously considered inoperable • Novel delivery systems that allow various treatments to reach tumors that are otherwise protected by the blood-brain barrier. This fully updated edition of 'Fast Facts: Brain Tumors' bridges the gap between primary care providers - whose role is pivotal in tumor detection and subsequent patient care - and first-level specialists such as general neurologists and neurosurgeons. Its key message is that selection of the best initial approach for an individual patient will result in the best overall outcome, both in terms of survival and quality of life. 'Fast Facts: Brain Tumors' is specifically for the primary care physician whose role is pivotal in tumor detection and subsequent patient care. Contents: • Classification and epidemiology • Diagnosis • Treatment • Brain metastases • Gliomas • Meningiomas • Neuronal tumors • Pineal region tumors • Skull base tumors • Primary central nervous system lymphoma • Brain tumor syndromes and tumor-like cysts • Geriatric neuro-oncology • Useful resources

Fast Facts: The Essentials of Cytopathology
Fast Facts: The Essentials of Cytopathology

Author: P. Dalquen

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2022-11-03

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 3318071471

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Cytology is a universally applicable technique that can be used by both general practitioners and specialists. It enables diagnosis of lesions on surfaces such as the skin, mucous membranes or cervix by smear, and the determination of findings from internal organs by fine needle aspiration. The method is technically both simple and inexpensive and can therefore be used in all parts of the world, regardless of their level of development. This book aims to summarize the essential basics of cytology. At the same time, it provides an overview of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions, covering both common and rare manifestations across various body sites. The related virtual Case Collection of more than 500 cases from almost all organs provides deeper insights into the morphological spectrum of lesions and into the cytological literature. It is free to access at courses.karger.com/bundles/essentials-of-cytopathology. Table of Contents: • Preparatory methods • Cervix uteri, vagina • Ovary • Breast • Male genital tract • Urinary tract • Respiratory tract • Effusions and tumors of the serous cavities • Lymphoreticular system • Thyroid • Salivary glands • Pancreas, liver and biliary system • Gastrointestinal tract • Central and peripheral nervous system • Soft tissue tumors

Fast Facts: CAR T-Cell Therapy
Fast Facts: CAR T-Cell Therapy

Author: R.J. Buka

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2021-01-26

Total Pages: 71

ISBN-13: 3318067423

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Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are genetically engineered immune cells that can seek out and destroy cancer cells. The results from their use in cancer immunotherapy have been very promising, but treatment is often associated with frequent, serious short-term toxicities. 'Fast Facts: CAR-T Therapy' explains what CAR T cells are and how they were developed, discusses the results of clinical trials and the management of toxicities, and outlines future improvements and applications. It is ideal reading for any healthcare professional wanting to know more about this exciting therapeutic field. Table of Contents: • CAR T cells • Clinical application • Practical aspects • Future directions

Fast Facts: Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology
Fast Facts: Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology

Author: Paul Cornes

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2020-01-23

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1912776219

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Biologics have revolutionized – and are revolutionizing – the treatment of many serious disorders. The evidence acquired from more than 10 years of clinical experience, with more than 50 biosimilar drugs and more than 700 million patient-days' exposure in Europe, shows that approved biosimilars can be used as safely and effectively as originator biologics. Yet concerns persist about biosimilars – particularly in curative cancer treatment, where they are relatively recent therapeutic options. 'Fast Facts: Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology' provides a concise overview of emerging global practice in this fast-moving area together with practical information on adding biosimilars to a formulary and switching patients. Contents: • Biologics and the need for biosimilars • Why do we need biosimilars? • How is the quality of biosimilar medicines assured? • Legal issues • Switching, interchangeability and extrapolation • Safety and pharmacovigilant • Global issues • Formulary considerations: pharmacy issues • Formulary considerations: supportive care biosimilars • Formulary considerations: therapeutic anti-cancer biosimilars • Communication and awareness

Fast Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Fast Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Author: William Blum

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2018-05-14

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13: 1910797596

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This last year has seen the approval of the first targeted treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - following decades with no new developments and a poor prognosis for most patients with the disease. The new drugs reflect the remarkable progress that has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of AML and its underlying cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities - which differ not only between patients but also within a patient over time and with treatment. 'Fast Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia' provides a comprehensive yet concise foundation for understanding AML: from basic epidemiology, diagnosis, classification and the current 'standard' treatment, through to recent advances in our understanding of the cytogenetic and molecular underpinnings of the disease, such as the IDH2 mutation, and the future for tailored therapy. It will be useful to primary care providers, medical students, specialist nurses, junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals who want to develop a thorough grounding in our evolving understanding of AML and its treatment. Contents: • Epidemiology, pathophysiology and etiology • Diagnosis • Treatment • Supportive care • Prognosis and monitoring • Emerging treatments • Useful resources

Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology
Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology

Author: Stephen Clarke

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2021-07-07

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 3318068217

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The treatment of cancer has been revolutionized by therapies that modulate the immune system, with benefits for quality of life and survival. Standards of care have changed to reflect developments, but the area is moving fast. Keeping abreast of new therapies and trial data can be challenging. This second edition of 'Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology' takes you from the fundamentals of immunology through to the new concepts of immunoediting and immunotherapy and likely future directions. Whether you have worked in oncology for decades and need a refresher or you are just starting out and need a crash course, this book provides all you need to know about immuno-oncology, concisely summarized. Table of Contents: • Components of the immune system • How cancers evade the immune system • How cancer immunotherapy works • Clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors • The future of immuno-oncology

Fast Facts: Gene Therapy
Fast Facts: Gene Therapy

Author: R. Herzog

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2020-04-24

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13: 3318066672

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Gene therapy has emerged as a discipline in medicine that can provide treatments for diseases that have no other therapies available, save lives of patients for whom there is no other hope and replace suboptimal treatments with lasting cures. 'Fast Facts: Gene Therapy' provides an overview of the field, looking at the main vector systems used to transfer the therapeutic gene constructs, the molecular mechanisms and the history of gene therapy, as well as the safety and ethical considerations of this important advance. Multiple examples of diseases that are already successfully treated with gene therapy are given, with discussion of treatments that hold promise for the future. This book will be informative and of value to health professionals, researchers, students and anyone with an interest in this exciting and fast-moving area. Contents: • Principles of gene therapy • Gene therapy techniques • Ethical and safety considerations • Gene therapies with proven clinical efficacy • Genome editing • Research directions – the next wave of treatments

Fast Facts on Genetics and Genomics for Nurses
Fast Facts on Genetics and Genomics for Nurses

Author: Kimberly Subasic, PhD, MS, BSN, CNE

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

Published: 2022-08-02

Total Pages: 251

ISBN-13: 0826175732

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Takes the fear out of learning about genetics and genomics for the nursing professional With its focus on the basics of genetics and genomics in nursing practice, this Fast Facts resource is the first to fill the content gap in this important area. Its streamlined format—featuring bulleted, step-by-step information and brief paragraphs—disseminates key content that is presented simply and understandably. The book examines how genetics impacts families and the care they need, and provides nurses with the genomic knowledge to advocate for personalized patient and family care, and to improve patient outcomes. Following a discussion of the science and foundations of genetics and genomics, this resource addresses their impact on patient care and application in nursing practice. It covers the relationship of genetics and genomics to health, prevention, screening, diagnostics, prognostics, and selection and monitoring of treatment. Case studies demonstrate how genomic concepts are applied in practice, and underscore their implications for patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, and autoimmune deficiencies. End of chapter questions are designed to assess knowledge. Also included are online resources that examine the latest genetic/genomic advancements and their impact on nursing. Key Features: Simplifies difficult concepts for ease of understanding Explains the difference between genetic testing and genetic screening Discusses ethical, legal, and social concerns specific to genetics and genomics Describes the application of genetics and genomics in healthcare Explains how knowledge of genetics and genomics can guide healthcare decisions Helps nurse educators teach genomic content Educates nurses in using genetic advances to improve patient outcomes

Fast Facts: Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
Fast Facts: Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma

Author: Foss, Francine

Publisher: Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers

Published: 2019-06-20

Total Pages: 101

ISBN-13: 1912776189

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The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogenous group of rare entities. Whilst cytogenetic and molecular identifiers are being identified, accurate diagnosis remains challenging, requiring careful, expert integration of the clinical and pathological findings. The treatment of PTCL is also challenging. Protocols for the different subtypes are only just beginning to emerge, hindered by the complexities of conducting trials in such uncommon and varied conditions. While first-line treatment with conventional chemotherapy is seldom curative, patients who achieve remission may be eligible for stem cell transplantation, offering the possibility of long-term disease control if not cure. Targeted biologics are also being developed as unique cytotoxic markers are identified. 'Fast Facts: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas' is a new title in the Fast Facts extensive hemato-oncology library, written by experts in this emerging field. This handbook will be useful to anyone involved in the care of patients with PTCL, including haematologists, oncologists, specialist nurses and primary care providers, raising awareness of these rare lymphomas and the current – and emerging – approaches to diagnosis and treatment.