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Immunity and Cancer in Man
178
BOOK R E V I E W S
Pathology (1976), 8, April
Immunity and Cancer in Man. A n Introduction. Immunology Series, Volume 3, ARNOLD E. REIF,CHESTER M. SOUTHAM, C. WILLIAM KAISER, GIACOMINO BIANO,BERNARD FISHER, STANLEY E. ORDER& LEONARD D. BERMAN.1975. Marcel Dekker, New York. 160 pp.,illustrated. US12.50. This eminently readable book is, as stated in the title, an introduction. It presents acohesive, up-to-date assessment of the role of immunity in human malignancy. It reviews data on cancer immunology from both clinical and animal experimental situations and presents a realistic appraisal of the application of basic research to the treatment of patients. The topics discussed are : the basic immune defences against the initiation of tumours ; the theoretical background to the various tests used for immunological monitoring during immunotherapy ; immune parameters in surgery and in radiation therapy ; and immulogical aspects of the interpretation of tumour pathology. The authors do not attempt to judge areas of research which are currently speculative and mention only briefly the theoretical basis of subjects such as bone marrow grafting and the use of transfer factor therapy. The *discussionsare mostly slanted towards the understanding and treatment of solid tumours in adults. Each chapter is simply written, adequately illustrated and includes selected general references. There is a glossary of technical terms useful for readers who are not thoroughly conversant with immunology. Post-graduate students, advanced undergraduates and specialists in clinical surgery, radiotherapy or pathology will find this a lucid overview of the immunological approach to the prevention, detection and therapy of cancer. It would be a useful addition to hospital libraries for those who want an authoritative, comprehensive guide to the types of investigations which are becoming established in major centres of cancer treatment. J. M . C . Mitchell
BOOK R E V I E W S
Pathology (1976), 8, April
Immunity and Cancer in Man. A n Introduction. Immunology Series, Volume 3, ARNOLD E. REIF,CHESTER M. SOUTHAM, C. WILLIAM KAISER, GIACOMINO BIANO,BERNARD FISHER, STANLEY E. ORDER& LEONARD D. BERMAN.1975. Marcel Dekker, New York. 160 pp.,illustrated. US12.50. This eminently readable book is, as stated in the title, an introduction. It presents acohesive, up-to-date assessment of the role of immunity in human malignancy. It reviews data on cancer immunology from both clinical and animal experimental situations and presents a realistic appraisal of the application of basic research to the treatment of patients. The topics discussed are : the basic immune defences against the initiation of tumours ; the theoretical background to the various tests used for immunological monitoring during immunotherapy ; immune parameters in surgery and in radiation therapy ; and immulogical aspects of the interpretation of tumour pathology. The authors do not attempt to judge areas of research which are currently speculative and mention only briefly the theoretical basis of subjects such as bone marrow grafting and the use of transfer factor therapy. The *discussionsare mostly slanted towards the understanding and treatment of solid tumours in adults. Each chapter is simply written, adequately illustrated and includes selected general references. There is a glossary of technical terms useful for readers who are not thoroughly conversant with immunology. Post-graduate students, advanced undergraduates and specialists in clinical surgery, radiotherapy or pathology will find this a lucid overview of the immunological approach to the prevention, detection and therapy of cancer. It would be a useful addition to hospital libraries for those who want an authoritative, comprehensive guide to the types of investigations which are becoming established in major centres of cancer treatment. J. M . C . Mitchell