Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis [Paperback]

Thomas F. Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001

As a biologist with over thirty years of experience teaching a wide range of complex biomedical subjects and a person who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) himself, Dr Thomas F Lee is ideally suited to write a book that addresses the vital questions about the nature of the disease and the rationale behind its treatment. This is the only book that explains in layperson's terms the newest available therapies and the latest advances in our understanding of this often debilitating disease. These new insights have led to many molecular-based approaches already in clinical trial, and many more are waiting in the wings. All of these exciting developments are the result of the ongoing biotechnological revolution and a new understanding of the immune system aided by genetic research. Millions of people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating auto-immune disease that ravages the delicate lining of the joints. As in other auto-immune diseases, instead of defending against foreign invaders, the immune system inexplicably attacks healthy tissue. RA causes systemic effects as well; not only are joints painful, through the destruction of bone and cartilage, but there is often accompanying fatigue, decreased appetite, depression, and muscle pain.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The cause and treatment of many diseases is being advanced on a molecular level, an area of science and medicine not easily understood by the average person. Lee (microbiology and biotechnology, St. Anselm Coll.; The Human Genome Project) here attempts to make sense of recent research in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), focusing on the evolution of molecular and gene-based therapies for this autoimmune disease, which affects two million adults and children in the United States. Lee offers detailed scientific explanations of RA, an overview of the immune system and its role in the disease, and a description of the inflammatory sequence that launches RA. He then discusses the multibillion-dollar research efforts by universities, biotechnology centers, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop gene-based therapies and follows up with a discussion of the nature of clinical trials and a survey of therapies currently in the pharmaceutical pipeline. Lee mentions the ethical implications of human genome research but admits that it is not the intent of his book to discuss this area of debate thoroughly. Recommended for consumer health collections. Lisa L. McCormick, Jewish Hosp. Health Sciences Lib., Cincinnati
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Lee looks at advances in research, notes Web sites that have further information about these studies... a hopeful perspective for people with the disease." -- Science News

"Should be required reading for every person with rheumatoid arthritis and their physicians!" -- Arthritis Insight website, August 12, 2001

"Writing from personal experience as a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer, biologist Lee offers insight into this painful, progressive disease..." -- Science News, June 9th, 2001

"a plethora of information on treatment regimens, clinical trials currently underway and resources leading to innovative, future treatments." -- Advance for Nurses, January 20, 2003

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1st edition (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573928860
• ISBN-13: 978-1573928861
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thomas Lee is a retired biology professor. He prefers writing, reading, and treading the earth lightly. He and his wife Eileen have six children and three grandchildren. Perhaps that is a heavy tread. At any rate, he is continuing his writing in the form of novels, which are more than likely eagerly anticipated.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a comprehensive discussion of RA we can understand., April 2, 2004

By 

C. Williams (Grand Junction, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis (Paperback)

This discussion on RA is the most comprehensive available in layman's terms.This disease process is so complicated and the research on treatment so varied, trying to keep up on journal articles or short publications is almost impossible. This book puts more useable information between the two covers than you will find anywhere. Unlike medical journals, the disease process explanations are concise and understandable. Although the explanations are detailed and scientific and may take more than one reading to get your brain around the complex concepts, it nicely falls somewhere in between the very oversimplified information found in "arthritis" books available at bookstores and over-complicated and hard-to-read medical book information. Truly helpful is the detail about how clinical trials are conducted and the complicated sequence of events that occur in treatment research. It makes the waiting for decades for new treatments a little easier to understand. Also helpful are the briefs on current research (now a bit out of date-some of the "in trials" treatments in the book have been approved and are available) that is ongoing along with web sites so individuals can follow trials, results, research progress, etc. and even contains information on joining in some of the clinical trials. The description of the immune processes is very helpful. Not only does it help the reader understand the immune system as a whole, and the effect of this disease on the immune system, it also gives a good picture of how HIV and AIDS compares on the opposite end of the immunity spectrum (overactive vs. underactive immune system). Best of all, this book arms RA sufferers with good information to be able to take a more active role in their own treatment. Buy it for a friend who has RA or buy it for yourself. You will want to reread it several times.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Gift for someone with rheumatoid arthritis!, January 22, 2003

By 

Maureen E. Levine, Ph.D. (Flushing, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis (Paperback)

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, or if a friend or loved one has been diagnosed with this disease I highly recommend this book as an invaluable source of information. Not only is it packed with facts on rheumatoid arthritis ranging from details of exactly what is happening in the joints and the immune system to useful Web sites to keep up on the latest details on new medications and treatment approaches, it is also clearly and beautifully written. It really is a handbook to help readers make informed decisions with their physcians. Included as well are fascinating insights into possible future treatments now in the research stage - from the use of stem cells to gene therapy.
This is the best gift you can give a friend who suffers from RA.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, January 4, 2009

By 

J. Karl - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis (Paperback)

Great book for someone newly diagnosed with RA. Especially for someone who likes, "how stuff works". Offers an extensive list of websites in the back for further fact gathering and keeping up to date. Also a good resource for navigating and understanding the disease process and progression & the medicines available. I wish there had been a nod to, Dr. John E Sarno's (professor, Rehabilitation Medicine at the New York University School of Medicine) work and experience with treating RA and other mindbody disorders. If you are reading this review and have an interest his most recent book (2007) "The Divided Mind" is well worth taking a look at. I think it is important to keep an open mind, keep digging and find what works for you.