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
Hypertension is the biggest cause of death and disability in the world, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. As in the previous edition, 'Fast Facts: Hypertension' advises on: • accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension • routine assessments for people with high blood pressure • other modifiable risk factors (smoking, high cholesterol levels etc.) • non-pharmacological measures (reducing salt, losing weight, increasing physical activity etc.) • rational and effective use of all drug treatments • identification of people with secondary hypertension • treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes. Updates in this new edition include: • distinguishing between patients with primary (low renin) and secondary aldosteronism • greater use of home BP measurement in clinical decision-making • the latest thinking on BP treatment thresholds • new guidance on fourth-line therapy for resistant hypertension Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke, so early identification of the condition and appropriate management are vital. This practical readable refresher for every-day use supports better investigation and treatment of high blood pressure by primary care providers and better self-management by patients. Contents: • The dangers of raised blood pressure • Causes • Investigation • When to treat • How to treat • Special patient groups • Uncontrolled hypertension • Useful resources
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.
Fast Facts: Managing Immune-Related Adverse Events in Oncology, 2nd edition, provides an overview of immuno-oncology and an update on immune checkpoint inhibitors and their associated toxicities, alongside the principles of diagnosing and managing immune-related adverse events, important nursing care considerations and a set of convenient management summaries for quick reference. As such, it is essential reading for all members of the cancer care team. Table of Contents: • Immunotherapy and its side effects: an overview • Gastrointestinal and hepatic adverse events • Dermatologic adverse events • Endocrine-related adverse events • Pulmonary adverse events • Less frequent adverse events • Optimizing patient care and early recognition of irAEs • Management summaries
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
The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's handbook,SITC’s Guide to Managing Immunotherapy Toxicity, is a practical reference to managing side effects associated with FDA-approved cancer immunotherapy drugs. Separated into two parts, Part I contains chapter-based overviews of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the clinic, starting with anti-CTLA4 agents, anti-PD1/PD-L1 agents, and approved immunotherapeutic combinations. These chapters cover relevant mechanisms of action, indications, and toxicities seen while combating early, advanced, and metastatic stages in cancer patients. Part II is structured by common and uncommon toxicities that affect major organ sites throughout the body. It begins with a general summary of principles and management options followed by chapters focusing on specific toxicities such as rash and mucosal irritation, muscle and joint toxicity, diarrhea and colitis, pneumonitis, endocrine toxicities, neurological toxicities, cardiac toxicity, renal toxicity, hematologic toxicity, and ocular toxicities. Each chapter provides guidance on how to assess and treat the toxicity and how to support the patient through acute and chronic effects with detailed summary tables for quick reference. Part II concludes with chapters covering management of special patient populations, including patients with autoimmune disease and geriatric patients, treatment and management of fatigue, and a final chapter dedicated to cost effectiveness and the toll of financial toxicity on patients and caregivers. With chapters written by world-recognized leaders in the immuno-oncology field, this text provides thorough coverage of the toxicity and management of adverse effects for immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is an indispensable resource for clinical oncologists, emergency physicians, hospitalists and other medical practitioners in both the hospital and community clinic settings, especially as the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors becomes a fixture in oncology care. Key Features: Outlines strategies for treating high-risk patients facing an acute or chronic side effect to immunotherapy Provides numerous tables that condense and highlight pertinent information for quick reference Describes the various clinical presentations and toxic reactions caused by immunotherapy Purchase includes access to the eBook for use on most mobile devices or computer
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are a group of heterogeneous tumors that have traditionally had poor prognosis. Despite being rare, the global incidence of CCA has increased dramatically over the last few decades. However, alongside this, there have been advancements in our understanding, diagnosis and treatment, improving the overall survival and quality of life of patients with advanced disease. This compact yet comprehensive review of CCA serves as a guide for physicians, oncologists, allied health professionals, scientists, patients and caregivers to update their knowledge of the most recent clinical developments and most promising areas of research. Table of Contents: • Pathophysiology, etiology and epidemiology • Diagnosis • Biliary drainage and supportive care • Surgical resection and transplantation • Translational research • Systemic therapy • Immunotherapy • Radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy
Prostate cancer is unusual among solid tumors in that the majority of affected men die with, rather than of, the disease. This presents many challenges to healthcare professionals and patients in terms of deciding if, when and how to intervene in order to control tumor growth and spread, thereby extending survival but without compromising quality of life. This is the ninth edition of 'Fast Facts: Prostate Cancer' since 1996, testament to the rapid changes in the field and the steadily improving outlook for patients. This new edition provides many key updates: • the Gleason grade grouping, which has valuable prognostic value • nomograms to evaluate risk • our rapidly expanding understanding of the genetics and underlying pathogenesis of prostate cancer and the development of genomic tests to help identify those at greatest risk of developing clinically significant disease • the continuing debate about the role of PSA in the screening, detection and monitoring of prostate cancer • advances in imaging techniques, particularly multiparametric MRI, which is improving the accuracy of biopsy and reducing the numbers of negative biopsies • the roles of drugs, surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer at different stages, and our ever-improving understanding of when and how best to intervene, aided by improving understanding of the risk factors for disease progression. Primarily intended for primary care providers, specialist nurses, junior doctors and allied healthcare professionals, this highly readable resource provides a comprehensive overview of prostate cancer, enabling fully informed discussions with patients about this complex disease. Contents: • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Diet, lifestyle and chemoprevention • Screening and early detection • Diagnosis, staging and prognostic indicators • Management of clinically localized disease • Managing recurrence after initial therapy • Management of metastatic prostate cancer • Management of castrate-resistant prostate cancer • Survivorship and treatment complications
This book provides patients and their physicians (especially “non-oncologist” health care providers) with a clear and concise introduction to cancer immunotherapy, which, unlike traditional forms of cancer therapy, acts by boosting the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. The unique features of cancer immunotherapy make its management, monitoring and side-effects different from those of traditional cancer therapy. Especially novel are the side effects of cancer immunotherapy, necessitating greater awareness for both patients and physicians in order to minimize complications of therapy. The patient-friendly, concise, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date knowledge presented in this book will inform patients about the benefits and risks of cancer immunotherapy, and help them and their care providers to understand how immunotherapy would control their unique disease. Researchers and academic professionals in the field of cancer immunotherapy will also find clear and useful information to help them communicate with patients or address unresolved problems. Some key features of the book are: Expertise. All editors and authors are scientists and oncologists specializing in cancer immunotherapy, and are involved in scientific discovery from the early stage of immune-checkpoint inhibitors to today’s daily patient care. Their insights, expertise and experience guarantee the high quality and authority in the science, medicine and practice of cancer immunotherapy. Patient-friendly. This book is written for cancer patients in order to meet their needs when considering immunotherapy. As an educational tool, this book will help the reader balance the risks and benefits based on both science and clinical facts, and therefore to make the best choice in receiving or withdrawing from immunotherapy. Disease Specificity. Cancer is a complicated disease involving multiple stages and pathology. Its response to immunotherapy is individualized and varies depending on cancer types. The authors’ expertise in treating different types of cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder, and lymphoma, provides disease-specific insights in applying immunotherapy to each disease.
Our understanding of the biology of bladder cancer has advanced remarkably since the second edition of 'Fast Facts: Bladder Cancer' was published in 2006. Five new immunotherapies targeting the PD-1 axis were approved in 2016 and 2017 for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer, reflecting this transformative explosion in knowledge about the biology of the disease. This new era of targeted treatment offers hope to patients, particularly those with advanced disease. However, for clinicians it means a lot to understand in terms of how these immunotherapies are integrated into the treatment paradigm. Who they are suitable for? When are they best used? What is the optimal sequence of treatments for individual patients? This third edition of 'Fast Facts: Bladder Cancer' has been updated extensively throughout by two new authors, bringing a fresh perspective. Key updates include: • the latest understanding of pathology and biology • current standards for investigation, imaging and diagnosis • the critical role that awareness of the significance of hematuria among patients and primary care health professionals can make to earlier detection at curable stages of the disease • the roles of drugs, surgery and radiation therapy in treatment at different stages of bladder cancer, and when and how best to intervene, aided by understanding of the risk factors for disease relapse and progression • a new chapter about immunotherapy for bladder cancer • future trends in a rapidly evolving field. 'Fast Facts: Bladder Cancer' is a concise guide that will be of value to clinicians and health professionals involved in the detection and treatment of bladder cancer. This highly readable resource provides a comprehensive and current view of this complex disease, enabling informed discussions with patients. Contents: • Epidemiology and etiology • Pathology and biology • Clinical presentation • Investigations • Management of non-muscle-invasive disease • Management of muscle-invasive disease • Management of advanced and metastatic disease • Immunotherapy • Future trends • Useful resources
