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Clinics in oncology: Breast cancer
BOOK REVIEWS
Clinics in Oncology: Breast Cancer. Edited by M. Baum. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1982. Illustrated. 308 pages. $24.00. In the past two decades the medical community has witnessed collaborative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Further, the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary approach in breast cancer management, from initial diagnosis through follow-up, is incumbent on both the primary physician and the surgeon charged with patient responsibility. Dr. Baum has organized a clinically-oriented reference directed to the primary care of breast cancer. Contributions to this volume were made by 16 authors, each an expert in one area of breast cancer research. The topics range from molecular biology to the holistic aspects of breast disease. The book is organized into 13 chapters; each of which provides a comprehensive, concise review of the expectant issues in primary patient care. Reviews of the historical aspects of breast cancer therapy, with analysis of early prospective clinical trials, are exceptional. The chapter, “Risk-Factors for Breast Cancer,” is especially comprehensive because it outlines the major determinants of familial and demographic risk patterns; however, genetic counseling and pedigree determination have been omitted. A detailed summary of the history and methods of screening and the natural history of breast cancer are included in chapter three. The chapter, “Pathology of Breast Cancer as It Relates to Its Evolution, Prognosis and Treatment,” deserves special accolades on the basis of its completeness in detailing the characteristics of pathologic discriminates, their relationships to hormonal receptors, and their predictability of therapeutic responsiveness. The authors review hormonal receptors from a historical and biochemical viewpoint. In addition, less commonly available receptors and their hormonal predictiveness are addressed well. The two chapters that review diagnostic imaging are relevant and timely, and each represents a state-of-the-art approach to the diagnosis of breast diseases. The review, “Primary Surgical Management,” provides the historical and scientific bases for clinical trials with the results accomplished by international cooperative study groups over the past 3 decades. The chapters on radiotherapy and adjuvant therapy contain multidisciplinary
856
approaches to and future prospects for adjuvant therapy. Finally, the chapter, “Advanced Breast Cancer (And Quality of Life),” is a unique but most helpful guide for the practicing clinician involved with care of the preterminal patient. The book is well organized and has excellent bibliographic documentation. Its organization and concise discussions are commendable. Kirby I. Bland, MD
The Genesis of Contemporary American Anesthesiology. Edited by Perry P. Volpitto, MD, and Leroy D. Vandam, MD. Springfield: Charles C Thomas, 1932. 246 pages. A truly American contribution to medicine is anesthesiology. The development of the practice of anesthesiology from 1930 to 1940 is a landmark in the history of modern American medicine. In memorable times, physicians became anesthesiologists without structured or organized training programs for the specialty. They were inspired by the examples and dedication of their peers and other colleagues. They worked long hours with few resources and support, with practically no remuneration, and with many frustrations and agonizing moments. Today we reap the fruits of all their effort by being provided with excellent, scientific, and well-organized anesthesiology and anesthesia services. The advancement of anesthesiology within the last 4 decades in the areas of patient care in the operating rooms and critical care units, respiratory therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, management of pain, organization and administration, research, certification, and so on was catalyzed by these great men and their famous institutions. They are in a class by themselves . . . scholarly, inquisitive, humane, dedicated, productive, and creative. Drs. Volpitto and Vandam give us a vivid and realistic history of modern anesthesiology and a unique look at the men who made anesthesiology what it is and what it can offer today. Anesthesiology in the United States is at its best and a model of perfection for other nations in the world because of these founders and proponents of contemporary American anesthesiology. Benjamin M. Rigor, Sr., MD
The American Journal of Surgery
Clinics in Oncology: Breast Cancer. Edited by M. Baum. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1982. Illustrated. 308 pages. $24.00. In the past two decades the medical community has witnessed collaborative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Further, the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary approach in breast cancer management, from initial diagnosis through follow-up, is incumbent on both the primary physician and the surgeon charged with patient responsibility. Dr. Baum has organized a clinically-oriented reference directed to the primary care of breast cancer. Contributions to this volume were made by 16 authors, each an expert in one area of breast cancer research. The topics range from molecular biology to the holistic aspects of breast disease. The book is organized into 13 chapters; each of which provides a comprehensive, concise review of the expectant issues in primary patient care. Reviews of the historical aspects of breast cancer therapy, with analysis of early prospective clinical trials, are exceptional. The chapter, “Risk-Factors for Breast Cancer,” is especially comprehensive because it outlines the major determinants of familial and demographic risk patterns; however, genetic counseling and pedigree determination have been omitted. A detailed summary of the history and methods of screening and the natural history of breast cancer are included in chapter three. The chapter, “Pathology of Breast Cancer as It Relates to Its Evolution, Prognosis and Treatment,” deserves special accolades on the basis of its completeness in detailing the characteristics of pathologic discriminates, their relationships to hormonal receptors, and their predictability of therapeutic responsiveness. The authors review hormonal receptors from a historical and biochemical viewpoint. In addition, less commonly available receptors and their hormonal predictiveness are addressed well. The two chapters that review diagnostic imaging are relevant and timely, and each represents a state-of-the-art approach to the diagnosis of breast diseases. The review, “Primary Surgical Management,” provides the historical and scientific bases for clinical trials with the results accomplished by international cooperative study groups over the past 3 decades. The chapters on radiotherapy and adjuvant therapy contain multidisciplinary
856
approaches to and future prospects for adjuvant therapy. Finally, the chapter, “Advanced Breast Cancer (And Quality of Life),” is a unique but most helpful guide for the practicing clinician involved with care of the preterminal patient. The book is well organized and has excellent bibliographic documentation. Its organization and concise discussions are commendable. Kirby I. Bland, MD
The Genesis of Contemporary American Anesthesiology. Edited by Perry P. Volpitto, MD, and Leroy D. Vandam, MD. Springfield: Charles C Thomas, 1932. 246 pages. A truly American contribution to medicine is anesthesiology. The development of the practice of anesthesiology from 1930 to 1940 is a landmark in the history of modern American medicine. In memorable times, physicians became anesthesiologists without structured or organized training programs for the specialty. They were inspired by the examples and dedication of their peers and other colleagues. They worked long hours with few resources and support, with practically no remuneration, and with many frustrations and agonizing moments. Today we reap the fruits of all their effort by being provided with excellent, scientific, and well-organized anesthesiology and anesthesia services. The advancement of anesthesiology within the last 4 decades in the areas of patient care in the operating rooms and critical care units, respiratory therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, management of pain, organization and administration, research, certification, and so on was catalyzed by these great men and their famous institutions. They are in a class by themselves . . . scholarly, inquisitive, humane, dedicated, productive, and creative. Drs. Volpitto and Vandam give us a vivid and realistic history of modern anesthesiology and a unique look at the men who made anesthesiology what it is and what it can offer today. Anesthesiology in the United States is at its best and a model of perfection for other nations in the world because of these founders and proponents of contemporary American anesthesiology. Benjamin M. Rigor, Sr., MD
The American Journal of Surgery