Expert physicians and clinical researchers summarize and explain all the recent advances in the biology and treatment of bone marrow-based malignancy. On the biological side, the authors show the characteristics of the malignant cell and describe the significant roles played by oncogenic changes, chromosomal anomalies, Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus, and cytokines. New epidemiological findings and prognostic factors are also analyzed. On the clinical side, the authors provide a comprehensive review of conventional treatment regimens, as well as a discussion of newer experimental approaches involving immunologic targeting, inhibitors of drug resistance, and antitumor agents.

1 Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.- 2 Epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma and Related Disease.- 3 Characterization of the Myeloma Clone.- 4 Oncogenesis of Multiple Myeloma.- 5 Cytokines in Multiple Myeloma.- 6 Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance.- 7 Tumor Burden: Staging and Prognostic Factors.- 8 Treatment of Multiple Myeloma.- 9 Dose-Intensive Therapy With Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients With Multiple Myeloma.- 10 Allogeneic Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma.- 11 Immunological Approaches to Multiple Myeloma.- 12 Remission Maintenance in Multiple Myeloma.- 13 Myeloma Bone Disease.- 14 Renal Diseases Associated With Multiple Myeloma and Related Plasma Cell Dyscrasias.- 15 Pathogenesis and Treatment of Anemia.- 16 New Therapeutic Approaches to Myeloma.