Pediatric Surgical Oncology

Abstract

Pediatric surgical oncology is a relatively new and rapidly evolving field. This textbook, edited by Dr. Richard Andrassy, endeavors to provide a single source for current practice trends. It is aimed at those physicians involved in the care of children with cancer but specifically the family practitioner, general pediatrician, general surgeon, pediatric surgeon, and pediatric surgical sub-specialist. Many of the authors have contributed expert opinions on subjects for which they are surgical representatives for the Children’s Cancer Group. This is the second book entitled Pediatric Surgical Oncology (the first was edited by Dr. Dan Hays). It is therefore appropriate that he begin the current text with an overview of the interesting history of the development of the field. Dr. Andrassy manages to add charming anecdotes of the important figures in the field. He then continues to the “General Principles” chapter, which serves as an introduction to the rest of the text. The book has been divided into two main parts, with the first being general management issues in children with cancer and the second with chapters devoted to each of the main pediatric oncology topics. The initial chapters include an overview of anesthetic concerns, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecular biology, minimally invasive surgery, and vascular access as it pertains to care. It then focuses on specific important points in care for pediatric oncology patients. In general, the initial chapters are a good review of each topic. The molecular biology chapter was extremely well written, and provides the reader with an excellent foundation for understanding future developments in research and treatment. The chapters that address specific tumors are perhaps the best portion of this book. They are up-to-date, well written, and explain to the reader the current approaches to management of each topic. These chapters review important management issues and provide insightful interpretations of important studies that have gone into establishing the current protocols. The reader gains and appreciates the evolving field of pediatric surgical oncology. Overall, the aim of the editor was not to provide an all-inclusive summary of present treatment modalities but as a single source for current practice trends. In general, the book achieves this goal. Some topics could have included further information of current active areas of investigations and research. However, in an age of rapidly evolving technology where areas of interest may change over a matter of months, we realize this is likely impossible. Therefore, we would highly recommend this book as a prerequisite for all surgeons looking after children with cancer and be available in all children’s hospital libraries as an important reference to current pediatric surgical oncology management.