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

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While treatment with immunochemotherapy has generally shown good outcomes, specific subgroups of patients with high-risk disease have an unfavorable prognosis. Extensive efforts have been made to improve outcomes in these patients. As such, CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has become the new standard of care for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL after at least two prior lines of therapy. It is an exciting new therapeutic intervention that is integral to the concept of personalized medicine. Table of Contents: • DLBCL: an overview • CAR T cells • CAR T-cell products • Delivering CAR T-cell therapy and managing patient expectations • CAR T-cell therapy-related toxicities

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.

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

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

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most diagnosed leukemia in the Western world, accounting for approximately 25% of all new leukemia diagnoses. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of both the pathophysiology and genetics of CLL. While the disease generally affects older adults and initially follows an indolent course, cytogenetic and molecular profiling have helped to predict clinical outcomes. Greater prognostication, alongside the development of an increasing armamentarium of novel targeted therapies, has enabled us to provide more personalized management options for patients. 'Fast Facts: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia' covers the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and staging of the disease, and the molecular and genetic aspects that underpin treatment and prognosis. It provides a concise overview of treatment options, in both the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings, with particular focus on the novel targeted agents that have overcome many adverse prognostic factors, improving overall survival. Table of Contents: • Epidemiology and etiology • Molecular biology and genetics • Diagnosis, staging and prognosis • Management • Research directions

Leukemia is a hematologic malignancy arising from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. Starting with a detailed description of hematopoiesis and what goes wrong in leukemia, this concise guide covers all aspects of the four most common subtypes of the disease. Although the incidence and prevalence of leukemia are rising worldwide, survival rates are also increasing. However, both the effects of the disease and the adverse effects of treatment remain complex challenges. Yet, as our understanding of the molecular landscape increases, therapeutic options are becoming more personalized. This revised and updated second edition of 'Fast Facts: Leukemia' addresses the causes and risk factors for each subtype of leukemia, the initial and confirmatory diagnostic tests, and the latest treatment options. Designed as a comprehensive primer for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, primary care providers, oncology nurses, hematology/ oncology trainees and pharmacists, this resource will help the non-specialist and those in training to identify leukemia early and provide a thorough understanding of the pathology and genetic basis of the disease, treatment options, and effective approaches to emergency and supportive care. Table of Contents: • Understanding blood and its components • What is leukemia? • Epidemiology, etiology and risk factors • Diagnosis • Staging and general management • Supportive care • Emergencies in leukemia