Introduction

The aim of Hematologic Malignancies: Methods and Techniques is to review those methods most useful for the diagnosis and subsequent management of hematologic malignancies. The scope of coverage is intentionally broad, ranging from routine procedures to highly sophisticated methods not currently offered by most clinical laboratories.

The latter methods were selected especially to bring into focus recent advances in molecular biology that, since they provide us with strong tools for assessing the outcome of upcoming therapeutic modalities intent on disease eradication, are expected to impact the future diagnosis and management of these diseases.

Thus, the common thread among all chapters is clinical relevance, whether sanctioned by past experience or by the expectation that seemingly esoteric research techniques of today will prove clinically valuable in the future.

Scope and Audience

Hematologic Malignancies: Methods and Techniques is primarily a compilation of methods presented in sufficient detail—by authors with extensive expertise in their field—to serve not only as a reference for seasoned research and clinical laboratory personnel, but also as a guide for the less experienced.

Moreover, the contributing authors also discuss the pathophysiologic bases and the diagnostic usefulness that underscore each method’s clinical relevance.

Thus, this volume should be also valuable to clinicians—especially hematologists, oncologists, and pathologists—often bewildered by an ever increasing flow of new scientific information, the practical application of which is often either not clearly disclosed or difficult to discern.