Clinical Oncology (1995) 7:208 © 1995 The Royal College of Radiologists Clinical

Oncology

Book Reviews

Investigative Urology V. Edited by J. W. Thuroff, K. Miller and D. Jocham. Chapman and Hall, London, 1994. Price: £115; Pages: 250; Figures: 183; Tables: 53; Hardback. ISBN 3826100050.

This book contains a compilation of research from throughout the field of urology. The topics covered include a large section on oncology (prostate, testicular, renal and bladder tumours), urody- namies, physiology, stones, andrology and surgical techniques. The research techniques described include investigation of aspects of molecular biology, chemotherapy, cell culture and physiology, in both humans and animals.

Within the oncology section there are several papers concerning cell adhesion molecules (and the consequent changes seen with disease progression) and the formation of cell lines.

The andrology section examines aspects of neurophysiology within animal studies, as well as ejaculation in humans.

Amongst the section on stones were papers on comparison of different lithotripters and experimental models for stone form- ation.

The urodynamics section does not contain any 'conventional' bladder urodynamics, apart from one paper on the urodynamics of the refluxing ureter in pigs. The other papers in this section predominantly detail the effects of sacral nerve root stimulation on detrusor sphincter dys-synergia, bladder sensation etc.

As may be expected from an attempt to cover extensive areas of urological research, discussion in some sections is patchy and brief. Individual chapters, however, are well written, up to date and complemented with clear diagrams, illustrations and tables.

At only 255 pages in length, it is obvious that but a small selection of research papers has been included. Despite this, Investigative Urology V covers many aspects of urological research. Thus, it would make good background reading for those embarking upon urological research themselves and could act as a useful guide to help such researchers develop the methodology and practical techniques that they require.

S. PHILLIPS Royal Wolverhampton Hospital,

Wolverhampton

Pediatric Radiation Oncology, 2nd edition. Edited by E. C. Halperin, L. S. Constine, N. J. Tarbell and L. E. Kun. Raven, New York, 1994. Pages: 638; Price: $139.00; Hard cover. ISBN 0-7817-0186--4.

Radiotherapy is still important in the management of cancer in childhood, although there are those who would like to think otherwise. There has been considerable progress in the treatment of both solid tumours and leukaemias with chemotherapy and, at the same time, the damaging late effects of radiotherapy have become painfully obvious. However, it is clear that radiotherapy is still important to control disease that is advanced or is insensitive to chemotherapy, and that it may make the difference between success and failure of treatment. It is also becoming clear that chemotherapy has its own long term effects, which may be just as damaging as those of radiotherapy. Patterns of treatment evolve with time, and irreversible damage is often revealed decades later. We must bear this in mind whenever we prescribe any treatment, and particularly when we treat children who, if cured, will have many years in which to suffer the ill effects of our treatments. Yet to develop late effects, the child must first survive.

It is 4 years since publication of the first edition of Pediatric Radiation Oncology, and the authors recognize that much has been learnt in the interim. There is still a need for a textbook of radiotherapy in children in spite of the hopes invested in chemo-

therapy. Children are a special case because they are growing and developing, and, unlike adults, are often treated when at their most vulnerable. There is 4 years' more understanding of late side effects, and much of the recently published data have been incorporated, particularly in the greatly expanded chapters on late effects and second tumours.

As before, chapters on individual tumour types contain a general introduction and review of treatment, then concentrate on the place of radiation therapy and the technical details. There is emphasis on the importance of treatment within specialized units, and in multicentre trials. The comprehensive lists of references include up to date results of trials on both sides of the Atlantic, and are made less daunting by the use of asterisks to mark important papers. The chapters have all been revised since the first edition, some more thoroughly than others. There are still some important typographical errors. Illustrations throughout the book are plenti- ful and helpful, and there are many useful details of planning and setting up. It is also pleasing to see both 'quality of life' and 'palliation' in the index this time.

As the pool of survivors and the length of follow-up increase, new problems will be revealed, but maybe also ways to minimize or overcome them. Radiotherapy in the treatment of childhood cancers is far from obsolete, and I look forward to yet another edition of this excellent book.

S. GOODMAN Bristol Oncology Centre

Bristol

Mammary Tumorigenesis and Malignant Progression (Cancer Treatment and Research; vol. 71). Edited by R. E. Dickson and M. E. Lippmman. Kluwer, Boston, MA, 1994. Pages: 360; Price: £151.75; Hard cover. ISBN 0-7923-2647-4.

This 360-page volume, the last in a series of four from these editors over the last 5 years, contains comprehensive reviews by leading researchers on the cellular and molecular basis of cancer develop- ment and progression. It is not a teaching book as such, but it is a good general reference book with detailed bibliographies and index.

The volume is divided into five sections, the first containing two chapters summarizing current understanding of proliferation, differentiation and malignant progression in breast cancer. The second section summarizes the genetic basis for breast cancer carcinogenesis and progression, including the genetics of familial, early onset tumours. This section includes a chapter on p53 and other tumour suppressor genes, as well as two chapters on the oestrogen receptor and the role of mutant receptors in hormone responsiveness.

The third section covers the role of epidermal growth factor receptors, the c-erb B2 receptor, mammary-derived growth factor l , and polyamines in cell growth control. Section 4 (five chapters) deals with cancer cell adhesion, migration and proteolysis. The fifth section, of two chapters, summarizes the information derived from rodent models of breast cancer to human carcinogenesis.

All in all, it is an authoritative book but one that will be purchased by institutional libraries rather than the individual clinician.

J. YARNOLD Royal Marsden NHS Trust

Sutton