Enormous progress made in arthritis research
In "Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Latest Breakthroughs And Treatments", Lee explains the enormity of progress made in arthritis research and the development and emergence of new, breakthrough arthritis drugs. As Lee whittles complicated findings into logical and graspable concepts, the information is wondrously presented in a way which simultaneously stirs excitement, spurs new hope, and yet puts it all into perspective.
Lee, a professor of microbiology and biotechnology at St. Anselm College, has more than thirty years of experience teaching an array of complex biomedical subjects. Lee is a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer himself. The plethora of information offered in "Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis" is peppered by Lee's unique dual perspective of being both scientist and patient.
While Lee tackles the most basic questions including "what is rheumatoid arthritis?" and "what can alleviate the pain and inflammation?", he successfully takes on the task of explaining the intricacies of the immune system and aspects of cellular chemistry in layman's terms.
Conquering is the reality of the future
After developing our basic understanding of these complex subjects, Lee leads us on a journey through scientific hypotheses, discovery, and development. Lee pursues the relevance of T-cells, B-cells, cytokines, immune system reactions, genetics, and more, as all relate to rheumatoid arthritis. He concludes, "these categories of possible avenues to the prevention, treatment, or cure of RA do not constitute merely a wish list. As a matter of fact, scientists in universities, medical centers, and biotechnology companies around the world are already making progress to varying degrees, in every one of these approaches."
Lee scrutinizes the differences between older, traditional medications and the novel rheumatoid arthritis medications which became available since 1998. The book is not intended to take the place of specific medical advice. The value of the book lies in promoting and expanding the patient's right to be a well-informed advocate of his/her own healthcare. Even before reaching the "Afterword" portion of the book, it is obvious that conquering the disease is not merely a concept or a dream, but future reality.
