Immune Interferon: Properties and Clinical Applications / Edition 1

by Roumen G. Tsanev, Ivan Ivanov

Overview

Now for the first time, one comprehensive book summarizes and analyzes the numerous scientific papers and reviews covering selected aspects of the structure, biological activities, and clinical effects of immune interferon, also known as interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma). Immune Interferon: Properties and Clinical Applications is essential reading for anyone working with interferons.

Having developed their own brand of interferon-gamma, the authors have become well known for their research and significant contributions in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and interferon-gamma. They bring together the extensive findings from years of research since the discovery of the drug. Focusing on the drug itself and not particular brands, the book presents data on the properties of interferon-gamma, experimental data on its effects in cell cultures in vitro and on animals in vivo, the role that IFN-gamma plays in different diseases, and the results of its clinical applications.

As interest in this versatile drug continues to grow, new avenues for its clinical use will continue to arise. Within a single source, Immune Interferon: Properties and Clinical Applications provides you with thorough information on all facets of interferon-gamma, from biological properties, to pharmaceutical processing, to clinical application.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780849311482
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2001
Series:	Pharmacology and Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Aspects
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Roumen G. Tsanev, Ivan Ivanov

Table of Contents

Foreword. Abbreviations. The Cytokine Family.
Interferon Gamma (IFN). Biological Activities of Interferon Gamma. Molecular Mechanisms of IFN Activities. Transmembrane Signal Transduction. Production of Interferon Gamma. Gamma-Interferon Preparations. Indications and Contraindications. Routes of Administration, Pharmacokinetics, Dosage. Side Effects. Infectious Diseases. Non-Infectious Non-Malignant Diseases. Malignant Diseases. General Conclusions. References.

Editorial Reviews

"…an excellent review of indications studied and under study and the outcomes of IFNg, as well as an exhaustive collection of references for these indications. A briefer overview of the preclinical and pharmacologic aspects of IFNg is provided."
- James E. Talmidge, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Medical School in Doody's Notes

From the Publisher

Reviewer: James E Talmadge, Ph.D.(University of Nebraska Medical Center)
Description: This book summarizes the molecular, biochemical, preclinical, pathogenic, and clinical activities of interferon gamma (IFNg).
Purpose: The primary emphasis is on the clinical activity of IFNg for infectious, inflammatory/autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases. In contrast, a comparatively brief review of the molecular, biochemical, and pharmacologic aspects of this cytokine are incorporated.
Audience: The book's targeted audience includes the medical, pharmaceutical, and research professions. It is too focused for most graduate students, although clinical and post-doctoral fellows may find it of interest.
Features: In addition to the background and review aspects of this book, an exhaustive overview of the potential and failed clinical studies of IFNg is provided. This represents one of the book's strengths. The overview incorporates an up-to-date assessment of indications under development, including ovarian cancer, hepatic fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in addition to the indications of chronic granulomatous disease and osteoptrosis which are approved in the U.S. Within this portfolio of indications, the clinical focus on hepatitis C virus associated cirrhosis was not discussed, while the intriguing use of IFNg to introduce a type 1 basis and theoretical clinical improvement in asthma is. Thus, while one can find minor points to fault in this exhaustive review, it misses few, if any, indications in which IFNg has been used. A bias is provided by a discussion of the Bulgarian recombinant IFNg, Gammaferon, which is almost twice the length of the description of Genentech's (now InterMune Pharmaceutical's) IFNg-1b. The references are exhaustive, although not unreasonably, they are not so extensive for the preclinical pharmacology.
Assessment: This book provides an excellent review of indications studied and under study and the outcomes for IFNg, as well as an exhaustive collection of references for these indications. A briefer overview of the preclinical and pharmacologic aspects of IFNg is provided.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody