- Email: [email protected]
Bone metastases
Media Watch
Books Bone metastases This book is a detailed review of the crosstalk between growth factors, receptors, and cytokines in the biology and signal transduction of metastasis. Most of the text describes interactions between malignant cells and the surrounding milieu that support the growth of cancer metastasis. Growth factors and receptors are discussed in the context of a specific cancer or disease, and chapters showcase the expertise of the laboratory-based authors (but with some overlap). The transitions between chapters are somewhat awkward, and some statements are oversimplified. For example, a chapter says, “By the time prostate or breast cancer metastasises to the bone, it is usually hormone refractory and will no longer resopond to hormonal agents”. On the contrary, patients with breast cancer who present with bone as the only site of metastatic disease are frequently very hormone-sensitive and respond to antihormonal drugs. Moreover, zoledronic acid improved pain score in patients with metastatic prostate cancer in a trial, and zoledronic acid was more effective than was pamidronate in reducing skeletal-related events in another trial. However, evidence does not convincingly lend support to more effective palliation of bone pain compared with pamidronate because
of differences between trial groups. Nevertheless, the book gives an excellent overview and comprehensive interpretation of bisphosphonate trials. Overall, the book lacks cohesiveness and organisation: most chapters are stand-alone reviews of the basic science of metastatic disease. The section on therapeutic strategies does not adequately highlight current treatment of metastatic cancers, but rather focuses on experimental and less-current strategies. Docetaxel, for example, is the only chemotherapeutic agent mentioned as treatment for metastatic disease. Although a chapter on study design is an appropriate and relevant topic, it is misplaced and written for a different audience than that intended for this book. The title of the book is misleading because the mechanisms described apply to all features of metastatic disease, and not specifically to bone. Some of chapters could have been truncated or combined without detracting from the key points. This book could be most useful as a reference guide, and not as a book to read from cover to cover.
Bone Metastasis: Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics Gurmit Singh and Shafaat Rabbani Humana Press, 2005 US$145·00 (£77·00, €112·80), pp 360 ISBN 1 59259 892 7
Margaret K Yu [email protected]
Genetic testing for cancer In her book, Patenaude comprehensively reviews the science and practice of cancer-predisposition testing, psychological factors, and the role of professional psychological interventions. If you think this sounds like a big ask for one book, you are correct. However, it is well written and covers all these topics and more. The opening chapters provide a good review of hereditary-cancer syndromes, especially breast and ovarian cancer, and are a firm basis of understanding for the cancer-genetics novice. A chapter on genetic counselling conveys the challenges of risk communication. Special attention is given to the process and psychological effect of preventive surgery, especially prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. Furthermore, the experienced genetic counsellor or clinician should not think there is nothing for them in this book: the highlight of this book is the chapter titled A Family Matter. The insightful discussion of the effect of genetic testing on spouses, samesex partners, and siblings and on relationships involving adoption or non-paternity gives much beneficial guidance for experienced genetic counsellors and for novices. The author also devotes chapters to the testing of children and to social and ethical issues, including topical sections on insurance, legislation, and note-keeping, which demonstrate the complex interface between genetics and society. http://oncology.thelancet.com Vol 6 June 2005
Every chapter has been well researched, with excellent use of references, including additional printed and electronic resources for further study. As well as extensive reporting of the current research, Patenaude highlights areas for future research. The use of case histories helps to highlight complex issues and emotions. Perhaps the only drawback is that readers from outside the USA will find that the book fails to take into account international variation in access to genetic testing, use of and access to psychotherapy, health insurance, and insurance legislation. Chapters on genetics and genetic counselling suggest that this book does not have much to offer experienced genetic counsellors or genetic clinicians. However the depth of issues explored in later chapters provide challenging and instructive dimensions to genetic testing, highlighting the value of including a psychotherapist in the management of families with hereditary cancer. The book is ideally suited to the oncologist or psychologist developing an interest in cancer genetics: it gives the necessary background information, and explores the myriad issues faced by families and offer strategies for their management.
Genetic Testing for Cancer: Psychological Approaches for Helping Patients and Families Andrea Farkas Patenaude American Psychological Association Press, 2005 US$59·95 (£31·84, €46·62), pp 303 ISBN 1 59147 110 9
Lesley Andrews [email protected]
367
Books Bone metastases This book is a detailed review of the crosstalk between growth factors, receptors, and cytokines in the biology and signal transduction of metastasis. Most of the text describes interactions between malignant cells and the surrounding milieu that support the growth of cancer metastasis. Growth factors and receptors are discussed in the context of a specific cancer or disease, and chapters showcase the expertise of the laboratory-based authors (but with some overlap). The transitions between chapters are somewhat awkward, and some statements are oversimplified. For example, a chapter says, “By the time prostate or breast cancer metastasises to the bone, it is usually hormone refractory and will no longer resopond to hormonal agents”. On the contrary, patients with breast cancer who present with bone as the only site of metastatic disease are frequently very hormone-sensitive and respond to antihormonal drugs. Moreover, zoledronic acid improved pain score in patients with metastatic prostate cancer in a trial, and zoledronic acid was more effective than was pamidronate in reducing skeletal-related events in another trial. However, evidence does not convincingly lend support to more effective palliation of bone pain compared with pamidronate because
of differences between trial groups. Nevertheless, the book gives an excellent overview and comprehensive interpretation of bisphosphonate trials. Overall, the book lacks cohesiveness and organisation: most chapters are stand-alone reviews of the basic science of metastatic disease. The section on therapeutic strategies does not adequately highlight current treatment of metastatic cancers, but rather focuses on experimental and less-current strategies. Docetaxel, for example, is the only chemotherapeutic agent mentioned as treatment for metastatic disease. Although a chapter on study design is an appropriate and relevant topic, it is misplaced and written for a different audience than that intended for this book. The title of the book is misleading because the mechanisms described apply to all features of metastatic disease, and not specifically to bone. Some of chapters could have been truncated or combined without detracting from the key points. This book could be most useful as a reference guide, and not as a book to read from cover to cover.
Bone Metastasis: Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics Gurmit Singh and Shafaat Rabbani Humana Press, 2005 US$145·00 (£77·00, €112·80), pp 360 ISBN 1 59259 892 7
Margaret K Yu [email protected]
Genetic testing for cancer In her book, Patenaude comprehensively reviews the science and practice of cancer-predisposition testing, psychological factors, and the role of professional psychological interventions. If you think this sounds like a big ask for one book, you are correct. However, it is well written and covers all these topics and more. The opening chapters provide a good review of hereditary-cancer syndromes, especially breast and ovarian cancer, and are a firm basis of understanding for the cancer-genetics novice. A chapter on genetic counselling conveys the challenges of risk communication. Special attention is given to the process and psychological effect of preventive surgery, especially prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. Furthermore, the experienced genetic counsellor or clinician should not think there is nothing for them in this book: the highlight of this book is the chapter titled A Family Matter. The insightful discussion of the effect of genetic testing on spouses, samesex partners, and siblings and on relationships involving adoption or non-paternity gives much beneficial guidance for experienced genetic counsellors and for novices. The author also devotes chapters to the testing of children and to social and ethical issues, including topical sections on insurance, legislation, and note-keeping, which demonstrate the complex interface between genetics and society. http://oncology.thelancet.com Vol 6 June 2005
Every chapter has been well researched, with excellent use of references, including additional printed and electronic resources for further study. As well as extensive reporting of the current research, Patenaude highlights areas for future research. The use of case histories helps to highlight complex issues and emotions. Perhaps the only drawback is that readers from outside the USA will find that the book fails to take into account international variation in access to genetic testing, use of and access to psychotherapy, health insurance, and insurance legislation. Chapters on genetics and genetic counselling suggest that this book does not have much to offer experienced genetic counsellors or genetic clinicians. However the depth of issues explored in later chapters provide challenging and instructive dimensions to genetic testing, highlighting the value of including a psychotherapist in the management of families with hereditary cancer. The book is ideally suited to the oncologist or psychologist developing an interest in cancer genetics: it gives the necessary background information, and explores the myriad issues faced by families and offer strategies for their management.
Genetic Testing for Cancer: Psychological Approaches for Helping Patients and Families Andrea Farkas Patenaude American Psychological Association Press, 2005 US$59·95 (£31·84, €46·62), pp 303 ISBN 1 59147 110 9
Lesley Andrews [email protected]
367