Clinical Oncology

Abstract

2nd ed, edited by Martin D. Abeloff, James O. Armitage, Allen S. Lichter, and John E. Niederhuber, 2963 pp, with illus, Philadelphia, Pa, Churchill Livingstone, 2000.The second edition of Clinical Oncology is a comprehensive overview of human cancer as it stood in the year 2000. The editors are to be commended for gathering together and publishing a wide array of thorough yet very readable reviews on a wide spectrum of topics. As described in the “Preface” to the second edition, the intent of the editors was to provide a substantial knowledge base in an accessible format that would be useful to a wide range of individuals. The target audience includes practicing oncologists, primary care physicians, and nononcologic specialists, as well as students, residents, and fellows undergoing active study and training. This goal has been successfully achieved.The textbook is laid out in 4 parts. Each part is separated into various sections, totaling 96 chapters, and each includes thorough discussions of state-of-the-art technology and therapeutic approaches. Part I of the textbook is organized into 5 sections: “Genetic Basis of Cancer,” “Immunologic Basis of Cancer,” “Environmental Basis of Cancer,” “Principles of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment,” and “Understanding Risk.” Part I thus provides the reader with a thorough scientific overview of modern oncology. There is a strong emphasis on the implications and applications of molecular genetics in the practice of oncology. Based on our ever-increasing understanding of the immune system and biologic processes, such as angiogenesis and signal transduction, part I also focuses on new developmental therapies arising from this understanding.Parts II, III, and IV of Clinical Oncology focus on problems common to cancer and its therapy, management of specific malignancies, and rehabilitation of the cancer patient, respectively. The 6 sections of part II, entitled “General Problems,” “Hematologic Problems,” “Infections,” “Metabolic Problems,” “Surgical Problems,” and “Local Effects of Cancer and Its Metastasis,” are familiar areas to all those who deal with and treat cancer patients. These discussions are well organized and referenced, so much so that this part of the textbook could easily stand alone in its own right. The authors of all 42 of the chapters in part III, “Specific Malignancies,” have done an outstanding job of not just cataloguing recent information, but also emphasizing their own interpretation of data. Each of these chapters or chapter sections includes a quick orientation of the subject matter in summary form at its opening, allowing the reader an overview of the discussion. A unique and valuable aspect of these patient management chapters is the display of personal strategies and algorithmic approaches to clinical problems in nonreferenced editorial sections. This information is set off from the main text and highlighted in red so that the reader can easily identify these personalized approaches. The 3 chapters in part IV, “Rehabilitation of the Cancer Patient,” are valuable and essential components to the comprehensive care of these patients. These chapters, entitled “Physical Rehabilitation,” “Evaluation and Management of Sexual Dysfunction,” and “Psychosocial Rehabilitation,” once again give a personalized overview of the rehabilitative approach.This edition of Clinical Oncology brings together a balanced overview of all aspects of cancer medicine, including the scientific, clinical, and humanistic disciplines, which affords the reader an invaluable resource. It is highly recommended.