UNMC transplant experts write chapters in highly regarded book



























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James Armitage, M.D.


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Phyllis Warkentin, M.D.


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Philip Bierman, M.D.


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Peter Coccia, M.D.

When editors of a comprehensive reference book on stem cell transplantation needed experts to write chapters for the book, they turned to UNMC.

Four College of Medicine oncologists and hematologists — James Armitage, M.D., Phyllis Warkentin, M.D., Philip Bierman, M.D., and Peter Coccia, M.D. — answered the call.

Published by Wiley-Blackwell, the Thomas’ Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation 2009 fourth edition is an international reference on stem cell transplantation — a treatment used in certain kinds of cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases.

“This is one of the most highly quoted text books used by physicians in the stem cell transplantation field,” said Julie Vose, M.D., Neumann M. and Mildred E. Harris Professor and chief of the section of hematology/oncology. “UNMC is very well represented in the authorship of the chapters demonstrating our strengths in the field.”

UNMC’s stem cell transplantation program is considered to be world-class by many cancer experts, particularly for its treatment of lymphoma and leukemia.

Dr. Armitage, world-renowned for his expertise in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, wrote the introductory chapter on the history of autologous transplantation.

“It’s a big honor that the editors recognize him as the expert on everything that’s been done in autologous transplantation,” Dr. Coccia said. “UNMC’s program is one of the pioneer programs in the development and use of autologous transplantation.”

Dr. Warkentin, professor of pathology/microbiology and pediatrics, co-authored chapter 37 on regulatory aspects and accreditation of stem cell transplantation.

Dr. Warkentin directs the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), which now is in its 13th year and was established at UNMC. The national group grants accreditation to programs performing stem cell and cord blood transplants.

Dr. Bierman, who is recognized for his expertise in lymphoma, co-authored chapter 59 titled, “Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hodgkin’s Disease.

Dr. Coccia, M.D., authored chapter 76 on a rare inherited disorder, osteopetrosis, a disease for which transplantation is life-saving. He performed the first successful transplant for the disease.

The book, which also comes with a searchable CD and PDFs, can be ordered at www.wiley.com.