This book focuses on the latest progress in chemotherapy for leukemia and related diseases
including still-ongoing but promising studies. The effectiveness of treatment for chronic
myeloid leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia has been dramatically improved in recent
years. This improvement has been made possible with the development of molecular targeted
agents such as bcr-abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors and all-trans retinoic acid. The antibody for
the unique target of chemokine receptor 4 for adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma or FLT3
inhibitors (signaling inhibitors) has been applied to other leukemias. Also chemotherapeutic
agents including antimetabolite analogues such as clofarabine and azacitidine (an epigenetic
regulator) have undergone progressive development. Meanwhile the novel concept of therapy
targeting leukemic stem cells has been developed. The contributors discuss prospective results
of basic and preclinical studies and clinical possibilities based on the effects for leukemic
stem cells. This work facilitates a comprehensive understanding of modern treatment methodology
for leukemia. The volume therefore will greatly benefit not only hematologists but also
oncologists all physicians who specialize in blood cancer and pharmacologists who are
involved in the development of therapeutic agents for leukemia.
