Fast Facts: Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm : Shedding Light on a Rare Disease

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare fast-growing hematodermic neoplasm that most often occurs in older men. It is notable for its highly aggressive behavior, with cutaneous, lymph node and bone marrow involvement. In the past, BPDCN has been poorly understood, recognized and treated, and consequently has had a poor prognosis. Today, it has been reclassified as a myeloid neoplasm and there is greater understanding of the disease’s clinical features, course and pathology, a new diagnostic test that makes prompt diagnosis possible and a new targeted therapy that, so far, has been shown to at least double survival. The complexity of caring for patients with BPDCN stems from both its rarity and its multiorgan involvement. 'Fast Facts: Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm' is designed to bring hematologists, oncologists, dermatologists, pathologists, clinical nurse specialists and trainees in all these fields up to speed on the latest developments, as well as providing the most up-to-date information on first-line chemotherapy, consolidation treatments and stem cell transplantation. It will aid readers of all relevant medical disciplines to implement prompt diagnosis and effective management.