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Prostate cancer: 3rd International Consultation on Prostate Cancer—Paris
BOOK REVIEWS
Prostate Cancer: 3rd International Consultation on Prostate Cancer—Paris Edited by L. Denis, G. Bartsch, S. Khoury, M. Murai, and A. Partin Health Publications Ltd., London, United Kingdom, 2003, 345 pages, $144.00, ISBN 1-898452-60-1
True to the title, this book is the compilation of 10 committees with 150 member “consultants” convened for the third time (previously in 1996 and 1999) in June 2002 to provide an updated overview on prostate cancer. Whether because of the slow natural history of prostate cancer or a lack of practice-changing innovations, this text—although more than 2 years old—is still up-to-date. The 10 chapters summarize the deliberations of each committee, covering the breadth of current basic and clinical thought about prostate cancer with surprisingly little redundancy. For example, despite the central role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in early detection and screening for prostate cancer, the chapter devoted to that topic limits the discussion of PSA to a minimum, allowing the chapter on markers and prognostic factors to fully develop PSA with all its isoforms. Many of the sections within each chapter end with recommendations, a somewhat dynamic set of guidelines based on the best estimates of practice. For example, in the chapter focused on the management of localized and regional disease, a succinct, one-page series of boxes defines acceptable treatments based on risks factors, comorbidities, and patient desires. Not unlike the consultations provided by the urologic or oncologic community in clinical practice, the recommendations are direct and unambiguous, without being overbearing. These are, perhaps, the best aspects of this text. Given the multiple authors and committees formed to generate the text, the writing styles vary. The theme, however, is one of presenting the relevant issues and a brief summary of the pertinent literature. For example, the discussion of antiandrogen monotherapy as an alternative to conventional androgen ablation includes five areas of ongoing query, such as the role of monotherapy followed by standard therapy after disease progression. The liberal use of tables adds to the information-rich nature of the book, while still keeping the length manageable. A particular strength of the book is the extensive references, which, for example, number more than 500 in the chapter on innovative, nonhormonal medical therapies. Those wishing to have a contemporary listing of the recent literature will find the reference sections useful. The book also includes a PC-MAC compatible disc of the material. However, the title of the chapter detailing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, “New surgical techniques in the treatment of prostate cancer,” is too general. There is no mention of nerve-grafting, innovative open approaches, or the role of limited and extended lymph node dissections. Likewise, the section on the risks of androgen supplementation is interesting, but somewhat peripheral to the central theme of the book. The final chapter, “The patient and
prostate cancer” is a call to improved communication between caregivers and their patients. The chapter would have benefited from a set of references. In summary, the “3rd International Consultation on Prostate Cancer” is a comprehensive addition to the libraries of those involved in the management of prostate cancer. The authors have admirably found the balance between hypothesis and fact, as summarized in the quote from the foreward by Thomas Huxley, “The great tragedy of science: the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.”
Joel B. Nelson, M.D. Department of Urology University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania doi:10.1016/j.urology.2004.05.028
Essential Urology: A Guide to Clinical Practice Edited by Jeannette M. Potts, M.D. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey, 2004, $99.50, ISBN 1-58829-109-X
This book is an excellent compilation of urologic topics made simple and easy to read. It is certainly a very useful addition to any clinician’s library, urologist and nonurologist alike. There are 14 chapters, ranging from urologic problems encountered during pregnancy, screening and early detection of urologic cancers, prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and complementary medicine. Unlike many texts in which some topics may become obsolete by the time the book is published, I found these chapters right up to date with some of the most current references and citations. The section on “imaging in urology” and “hematuria” demonstrated excellent radiographs and pictures of various urologic anomalies. The chapter on the “evaluation and medical management of kidney stones” is one of the most comprehensive texts I have ever read. The chapter is geared more to the internist or nephrologist, although it still is important for the urologist to understand. The chapters on “benign prostatic hypertrophy” and “erectile dysfunction” appear to be written for the urologist in training rather than the practicing urologist; however, they are still a very good review. The book also includes a chapter on complementary nutrition in urology, which, more and more, is becoming a commonly discussed subject in urologists’ offices. The section on urologic problems during pregnancy is a “must read” for any urologist. I also found the pediatric potpourri a very practical, concise conglomeration of commonly encountered pediatric urologic problems. Jonathan Ross does a nice job of presenting both sides of a contro-
© 2004 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
UROLOGY 64: 1269 –1270, 2004•0090-4295/04/$30.001269
Prostate Cancer: 3rd International Consultation on Prostate Cancer—Paris Edited by L. Denis, G. Bartsch, S. Khoury, M. Murai, and A. Partin Health Publications Ltd., London, United Kingdom, 2003, 345 pages, $144.00, ISBN 1-898452-60-1
True to the title, this book is the compilation of 10 committees with 150 member “consultants” convened for the third time (previously in 1996 and 1999) in June 2002 to provide an updated overview on prostate cancer. Whether because of the slow natural history of prostate cancer or a lack of practice-changing innovations, this text—although more than 2 years old—is still up-to-date. The 10 chapters summarize the deliberations of each committee, covering the breadth of current basic and clinical thought about prostate cancer with surprisingly little redundancy. For example, despite the central role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in early detection and screening for prostate cancer, the chapter devoted to that topic limits the discussion of PSA to a minimum, allowing the chapter on markers and prognostic factors to fully develop PSA with all its isoforms. Many of the sections within each chapter end with recommendations, a somewhat dynamic set of guidelines based on the best estimates of practice. For example, in the chapter focused on the management of localized and regional disease, a succinct, one-page series of boxes defines acceptable treatments based on risks factors, comorbidities, and patient desires. Not unlike the consultations provided by the urologic or oncologic community in clinical practice, the recommendations are direct and unambiguous, without being overbearing. These are, perhaps, the best aspects of this text. Given the multiple authors and committees formed to generate the text, the writing styles vary. The theme, however, is one of presenting the relevant issues and a brief summary of the pertinent literature. For example, the discussion of antiandrogen monotherapy as an alternative to conventional androgen ablation includes five areas of ongoing query, such as the role of monotherapy followed by standard therapy after disease progression. The liberal use of tables adds to the information-rich nature of the book, while still keeping the length manageable. A particular strength of the book is the extensive references, which, for example, number more than 500 in the chapter on innovative, nonhormonal medical therapies. Those wishing to have a contemporary listing of the recent literature will find the reference sections useful. The book also includes a PC-MAC compatible disc of the material. However, the title of the chapter detailing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, “New surgical techniques in the treatment of prostate cancer,” is too general. There is no mention of nerve-grafting, innovative open approaches, or the role of limited and extended lymph node dissections. Likewise, the section on the risks of androgen supplementation is interesting, but somewhat peripheral to the central theme of the book. The final chapter, “The patient and
prostate cancer” is a call to improved communication between caregivers and their patients. The chapter would have benefited from a set of references. In summary, the “3rd International Consultation on Prostate Cancer” is a comprehensive addition to the libraries of those involved in the management of prostate cancer. The authors have admirably found the balance between hypothesis and fact, as summarized in the quote from the foreward by Thomas Huxley, “The great tragedy of science: the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact.”
Joel B. Nelson, M.D. Department of Urology University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania doi:10.1016/j.urology.2004.05.028
Essential Urology: A Guide to Clinical Practice Edited by Jeannette M. Potts, M.D. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey, 2004, $99.50, ISBN 1-58829-109-X
This book is an excellent compilation of urologic topics made simple and easy to read. It is certainly a very useful addition to any clinician’s library, urologist and nonurologist alike. There are 14 chapters, ranging from urologic problems encountered during pregnancy, screening and early detection of urologic cancers, prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and complementary medicine. Unlike many texts in which some topics may become obsolete by the time the book is published, I found these chapters right up to date with some of the most current references and citations. The section on “imaging in urology” and “hematuria” demonstrated excellent radiographs and pictures of various urologic anomalies. The chapter on the “evaluation and medical management of kidney stones” is one of the most comprehensive texts I have ever read. The chapter is geared more to the internist or nephrologist, although it still is important for the urologist to understand. The chapters on “benign prostatic hypertrophy” and “erectile dysfunction” appear to be written for the urologist in training rather than the practicing urologist; however, they are still a very good review. The book also includes a chapter on complementary nutrition in urology, which, more and more, is becoming a commonly discussed subject in urologists’ offices. The section on urologic problems during pregnancy is a “must read” for any urologist. I also found the pediatric potpourri a very practical, concise conglomeration of commonly encountered pediatric urologic problems. Jonathan Ross does a nice job of presenting both sides of a contro-
© 2004 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
UROLOGY 64: 1269 –1270, 2004•0090-4295/04/$30.001269