Cancer Medicine 6

Editors: Donald W. Kufe, Raphael E. Pollock, Ralph R. Weichselbaum, Robert C. Bast Jr., Ted S. Gansler, James F. Holland, and Emil Frei.

KufeDW, PollockRE, WeichselbaumRR, BastRC, GanslerTS, HollandJF, FreiE, editors. Cancer medicine 6. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Decker, Inc., 2003. $299.00

What are the characteristics of a successful “comprehensive textbook of oncology”? First, it must cover all major areas of cancer, including rapidly evolving and innovative approaches to the management of malignant disease. Second, the chapters need to be authored by respected authoritative figures within their respective disciplines, such that readers know that both the “standard-of-care,” as well as all controversial issues in a particular area, have been discussed appropriately in a unbiased manner. Finally, all sections should be well written and logically organized with limited (but appropriate) overlap, and have a detailed index for easy reference.

The sixth edition of Cancer Medicine meets and exceeds these requirements. With its previous five editions, this oncology textbook has become one of the “gold standards” for practicing oncologists, clinical investigators, generalists interested in malignant disease, and trainees. The editors are leading figures in cancer medicine, and the the more than 300 authors who contribute represent a virtual “Who's Who” in the world of oncology. The book is superbly written and extremely well organized (41 sections and 162 individual chapters), includes an excellent index (40 pages in length), and reveals the considerable experience of the editors and publisher, as well as their clear understanding of the needs of both clinicians and cancer investigators. Furthermore, the text includes an appropriate mix of basic science and clinical medicine. As with previous editions, the sixth edition should (and will) find its proper place on the bookshelf of all those who have a need for a definitive and truly comprehensive oncology text.