Doody 图书评论

This is a comprehensive book providing an in-depth overview of the biology and clinical aspects of disease related to the field of medical oncology. The third edition is a complete rewrite of the second edition published in 1982. The new edition has the added expertise of several new editors who are leaders in the field, and has attracted an entirely new group of expert contributing authors. The result is a complete up-to-date reference. The stated purpose of the text is to describe the scientific foundations from which cancer medicine is derived and to describe, in detail, the principles underlying the management of clinical aspects of malignant disease (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, complications). The text has a very broad potential audience. It would be an appropriate reference for students, residents, nurses, general physicians and subspecialists in the field of oncology. Basic scientists may find it useful as an overview of clinical aspects of specific diseases. The text is divided into sections (i.e., biology, immunology, etiology, epidemiology, principles of treatment, etc.). Each section is then subdivided into chapters written by leading experts who deal with specific topics related to the broader section topic. (e.g., I. Cancer Biology: 1. Cell Proliferation and Differentiation 2. Molecular Biology 3. Growth Factors, etc.). The sections of the text dealing with specific diseases are similarly organized. In general the chapters are well written and the references are up-to-date (1992). Certain chapters, though well written, offer the clear bias of the author (i.e., breast cancer) and the contribution of others in the field, primarily by exclusion. The table of contents and index allow for easy access to desired information. As with all multiauthored books, there is some variability in the quality of individual chapters, but taken as a whole, this book is an excellent reference that achieves its desired goals. It should be part of medical libraries and the p ersonal libraries of physicians caring for cancer patients. William J. Gradishar, MD(Northwestern University Medical School). Copyright 2001, Doody Publishing