Clinical Radiation Oncology

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Book Reviews

cluding the chapters on the anatomy of the sellar region, the experimental models of the pituitary, the pathology of pituitary adenomas, pituitary surgery, medical therapy of pituitary tumors, specific tumor types, and pituitary tumors in children. Strengths: The major strength of this book is its comprehensiveness. In addition, the expertise of the authors gives the book a practical and experienced viewpoint. Deficiencies: As in many general textbooks, some duplication of topics occurs among the chapters. For example, several chapters include a brief review of the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas even though the text contains a specific chapter on that subject. Although the illustrations are largely of good quality, the book would be greatly improved if the photomicrographs were in color, particularly those demonstrating immunohistochemical preparations. Recommended Readership: This text will serve as an outstanding resource for internists, endocrinologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, pathologists, radiation therapists, and other specialists with interest in tumors of the pituitary region. Overall Grading: ★★★★★ Maria Beatriz S. Lopes, MD, Division of Neuropathology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville

Epilepsy in Clinical Practice: A Case Study, by Andrew N. Wilner, 270 pp, $39.95, New York, NY, Demos Medical Publishing (telephone: 800-523-8663), 2000, ISBN 1-888799-34-X Type of Book: A single-authored case-based review of clinical issues in epilepsy. Scope of Book: This book reviews general topics in the management of epilepsy and is not a comprehensive textbook. Contents: The author uses case reports to introduce many issues encountered in the management of epilepsy. Each chapter begins with an illustrative case, followed by a series of questions regarding associated diagnostic and management challenges. For example, one case involves a woman with epilepsy, and the discussion that follows pertains to antiepileptic drug teratogenicity and other women’s issues in epilepsy. The second half of the book consists of tables that contain a variety of general information related to epilepsy treatment. However, tables and figures related to specific items illustrated by the case reports are often lacking. Strengths: The case-based approach is a useful foil for introducing the patient-oriented problems discussed. The book illustrates how a single practitioner applies the information available from more comprehensive sources and his own experience to real-life situations. Deficiencies: The book is unreferenced. Therefore, recommendations in the text cannot be corroborated easily, and those who wish to explore a subject further are not directed to a published source. Also, although many tables are included in the book, many are of limited usefulness and are not related to the cases presented. Recommended Readership: This book would best serve neurology and primary care residents as a supplement to a more comprehensive textbook on epilepsy. It cannot be recommended as a

Mayo Clin Proc, July 2001, Vol 76

handbook for the comprehensive management of epilepsy because many details regarding pharmacokinetics, neurodiagnostic techniques, etc, are lacking. Overall Grading: ## Jeffrey W. Britton, MD, Divisions of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Clinical Radiation Oncology, edited by Leonard L. Gunderson and Joel E. Tepper, 1296 pp, with illus, $235, New York, NY, Churchill Livingstone (telephone: 800-545-2522), 2000, ISBN 0443-07609-X Type of Book: A multiauthored comprehensive text on clinical radiation oncology. Scope of Book: The editors and contributing authors have prepared a comprehensive, detailed review of clinical radiation oncology with up-to-date references to support their presentation and interpretation of data on a wide range of oncologic subjects. Contents: The text has 63 chapters separated into 3 sections: Scientific Foundations of Radiation Oncology (chapters 1-8), Techniques and Modalities (chapters 9-15), and Disease Sites (chapters 16-63). The preclinical chapters on radiobiology and physics are particularly noteworthy. The disease site portion of this clinical text is organized by anatomical region, with individual chapters covering the major malignancies in each organ system. Strengths: Many of the authors are considered to be world experts in their field, and even those who are less well known have contributed excellent syntheses of complex clinical topics in a clear, concise manner with no irrelevant information. The scope, accuracy, and format of the presented material are superior to those of similar texts. Deficiencies: Discussions of the use of axial image–based virtual simulation in treatment planning and field design are inconsistent among the various clinical chapters. The central nervous system and thoracic disease sections neglect detailed discussions of meningiomas and all mediastinal tumors, respectively. Recommended Readership: Radiation oncologists, medical and surgical oncologists, and internists whose patients receive radiotherapy for the management of malignant or benign tumors. Overall Grading: ★★★★★ Scott L. Stafford, MD, Division of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Allergy in Primary Care, edited by Leonard C. Altman, Jonathan W. Becker, and Paul V. Williams, 343 pp, with illus, $45, Philadelphia, Pa, WB Saunders Co (telephone: 800-5452522), 2000, ISBN 0-7216-8166-2 Type of Book: A multiauthored overview of common allergic diseases. Scope of Book: This text provides a general review of various allergic and immunologic disorders commonly encountered in the

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