- Email: [email protected]
Elsevier Science Ltd., Edinburgh 2002, 687 pages, £67.99 hardback. ISBN 0-443-06201-3
Radiography (2003) 9, 177–178
Book reviews doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00034-8
Textbook of Radiotherapy (6th Ed.) Walter, Miller, C.K. Bomford and I.K. Kunkler, Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Science Ltd., Edinburgh 2002, 687 pages, £67.99 hardback. ISBN 0-443-06201-3. It was a great honour to be asked to review this sixth edition of what is affectionately known as the Walter and Miller’s Textbook of Radiotherapy. It was with some surprise that I read that the first edition was first published as long ago as 1950 and I grew up in the 1980s with the 1979 fourth edition. The first edition called the ÔShort Textbook of Radiotherapy for Technicians and StudentsÕ was obviously aimed at a narrow audience, whereas this sixth edition now has a much wider intent. As the foreword states, the potential audience not only includes student therapeutic radiographers and specialist registrars studying FRCR in Radiation and Clinical Oncology, its broadened coverage of multidisciplinary treatment approaches intends also to appeal to medical oncology trainees and chemotherapy nurses. The technical sections of the book are preceded by a section of colour plates, which I guess for cost reasons remain separate from the text to which they relate. Although interspersed with new images, I was surprised at the age of some of these colour plates and also some of the other images within the book. Part one of the text relating to radiation physics that includes imaging, radiotherapy physics, kilovoltage and megavoltage treatment equipment, treatment planning and brachytherapy has been completely rewritten for this new edition. Section one outlines the physics, dreaded by many students, clearly and concisely. I wonder, however, whether the relative brevity of this section makes it either detailed enough for the enquiring mind or simple enough for the physics novice. The chapter on radiation protection is perhaps a case in point in that although justification and optimisation are covered, an individual’s responsibilities as referrer, practitioner or operator are absent. 1078-8174/03/000177+03 $30.00/0
The authors accept that due to the speed of change with radiotherapy practice they can only act as a signpost for in-depth study into the most rapidly changing subject areas. Multi-leaf collimation (MLC) and virtual simulation are cited as such problematic areas. However, since the New Opportunities Fund and then the Capital investment programme in Cancer Equipment there are now very few departments without modern treatment or imaging systems and so it is disappointing that systems such as multileaved collimators, virtual simulation and also electronic imaging are only covered to a very shallow depth. Interestingly, megavoltage electronic portal imaging is afforded approximately half the space of imaging with film and developments such as amorphous silicon are absent. Similarly, the developments in simulators such as tomography (Sim-CT) or image intensifier replacements are not covered. However, conversely the section on nuclear medicine seems very comprehensive. Part two of the book looks at radiotherapy and oncology. The chapters include ÔCancer Epidemiology, Prevention, Early Diagnosis and EducationÕ, Radiobiology, effects of radiation on the tissues of the body and then concentrate on the treatment options for each cancer site. This is intended to fit in with the site specialisation among cancer professionals. This sixth edition includes some excellent new contributors for the chapters on radiobiology, paediatric oncology, sarcomas, gynaecological and haematological malignancies. The extensive chapter on chemotherapy is also noteworthy. This second section provides a very useful text interspersed with nice clinical images and also diagrams. One point of slight disappointment is that several diagrams appear to be from a contemporary text on treatment planning. In conclusion, the second section, in particular, provides an excellent resource for up to date information on the treatment of patients with cancer. The aim of providing a text suitable for the whole multi-disciplinary team is most achieved here. Section one, however, is disappointing with particular reference to modern equipment and as such would
Ó 2003 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
178
BOOK REVIEWS
need to be supported by alternate data sources and text for those requiring a detailed knowledge. Russel Hart MSc, Cert Ed, DCR(R), Lecturer Radiotherapy Services Manager, PG Cert (Breast Ultrasound), DCR(R), Lecturer Radiotherapy Department, Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 IPB, UK Tel: 44 115 969 1169 doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00033-6
Fundamentals of Mammography (2nd Ed.) Linda Lee, Verdi Strickland, Robin Wilson and Andrew Evans, Churchill Livingstone 2003, 171 pages, £35.99 soft back, 178 illustrations. Thank you for asking us to review this second edition of the ÔFundamentals of MammographyÕ, which has a new co-author in Andrew Evans replacing Eric Roebuck. It has a pleasant cover and is very handy. As in the first edition, the book is divided into chapters. Each chapter is supported by either comprehensive further reading and/or references, which is very helpful. There are 13 chapters in this edition compared with 12 in the first. The additional chapter is entitled ÔBreast ScreeningÕ by Andrew Evans and Robin Wilson, which not only makes a very sound argument for the Breast Screening Programme, but also gives a brief current overview of the system. Chapter 9, previously entitled ÔQuality Assurance of Radiographic PerformanceÕ, has a new title ÔTraining, Education and Continuing Professional DevelopmentÕ. This chapter highlights the changes occurring in mammography practice and education, from the expanding role of the mammographer to the controversial issue of the introduction of Assistant Practitioners. While, overall the topic is briefly covered, it is well addressed; however, Figure 9.3 is rather confusing, can a Mammography Assistant Practitioner directly enter third year of an undergraduate programme? This chapter also deals well with the audit of mammographic clinical practice, namely current issues in relation to the application of the PGMI performance criteria. Unfortunately, several
of the images are of very poor quality, especially when compared with the first edition, which reduces the effectiveness of the given examples. Chapters 4–7, as in the first edition, deal exceptionally well with mammographic technique, being a great asset to any mammographer in the demonstration of positioning the lady, difficulties in positioning and how these may be overcome, and showing the area of breast tissue being demonstrated for each projection. Chapter 7 has been expanded and updated with regard to tissue sampling. The positioning images, overall, are the same as the first edition; hence, up to date equipment is not demonstrated. Chapter 11 is an excellent introduction to the basis of mammographic image interpretation, although as in chapter 9, the images demonstrating pathology are of a poor quality, losing their effectiveness. Disappointingly, Chapters 1 and 2 have not been updated to reflect the current changes. The explanation of the equipment is limited, especially in relation to new technologies, such as dual track anodes, selectable filters and new film screen technology. There is very limited reference to digital imaging. Overall, this is a very good basic book with excellent chapters on mammographic technique and an introduction to mammographic interpretation. If the authors had taken the opportunity to update the content to reflect the recent changes in breast imaging technology, as discussed, this would certainly have enhanced the overall value. However, it still remains a good choice for an introductory overview of the subject. Janet Horrocks, MSc, Cert Ed, DCR(R), Lecturer Jane Bull, PG Cert (Breast Ultrasound), DCR(R), Lecturer Imaging Group, School of Healthcare Studies, Baines Wing, University of Leeds, PO Box 214, Leeds LS2 9UT, UK E-mail: [email protected] ( J. Horrocks) Tel: 44 113 343 1327; Fax: 44 113 343 1461 doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00043-9
Pocket Book of Radiographic Positioning. Edited by Ruth Sutherland 2003. Elsevier Science Ltd, Edinburgh. 160 pages, ISBN 0-443-07210-8.
Book reviews doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00034-8
Textbook of Radiotherapy (6th Ed.) Walter, Miller, C.K. Bomford and I.K. Kunkler, Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Science Ltd., Edinburgh 2002, 687 pages, £67.99 hardback. ISBN 0-443-06201-3. It was a great honour to be asked to review this sixth edition of what is affectionately known as the Walter and Miller’s Textbook of Radiotherapy. It was with some surprise that I read that the first edition was first published as long ago as 1950 and I grew up in the 1980s with the 1979 fourth edition. The first edition called the ÔShort Textbook of Radiotherapy for Technicians and StudentsÕ was obviously aimed at a narrow audience, whereas this sixth edition now has a much wider intent. As the foreword states, the potential audience not only includes student therapeutic radiographers and specialist registrars studying FRCR in Radiation and Clinical Oncology, its broadened coverage of multidisciplinary treatment approaches intends also to appeal to medical oncology trainees and chemotherapy nurses. The technical sections of the book are preceded by a section of colour plates, which I guess for cost reasons remain separate from the text to which they relate. Although interspersed with new images, I was surprised at the age of some of these colour plates and also some of the other images within the book. Part one of the text relating to radiation physics that includes imaging, radiotherapy physics, kilovoltage and megavoltage treatment equipment, treatment planning and brachytherapy has been completely rewritten for this new edition. Section one outlines the physics, dreaded by many students, clearly and concisely. I wonder, however, whether the relative brevity of this section makes it either detailed enough for the enquiring mind or simple enough for the physics novice. The chapter on radiation protection is perhaps a case in point in that although justification and optimisation are covered, an individual’s responsibilities as referrer, practitioner or operator are absent. 1078-8174/03/000177+03 $30.00/0
The authors accept that due to the speed of change with radiotherapy practice they can only act as a signpost for in-depth study into the most rapidly changing subject areas. Multi-leaf collimation (MLC) and virtual simulation are cited as such problematic areas. However, since the New Opportunities Fund and then the Capital investment programme in Cancer Equipment there are now very few departments without modern treatment or imaging systems and so it is disappointing that systems such as multileaved collimators, virtual simulation and also electronic imaging are only covered to a very shallow depth. Interestingly, megavoltage electronic portal imaging is afforded approximately half the space of imaging with film and developments such as amorphous silicon are absent. Similarly, the developments in simulators such as tomography (Sim-CT) or image intensifier replacements are not covered. However, conversely the section on nuclear medicine seems very comprehensive. Part two of the book looks at radiotherapy and oncology. The chapters include ÔCancer Epidemiology, Prevention, Early Diagnosis and EducationÕ, Radiobiology, effects of radiation on the tissues of the body and then concentrate on the treatment options for each cancer site. This is intended to fit in with the site specialisation among cancer professionals. This sixth edition includes some excellent new contributors for the chapters on radiobiology, paediatric oncology, sarcomas, gynaecological and haematological malignancies. The extensive chapter on chemotherapy is also noteworthy. This second section provides a very useful text interspersed with nice clinical images and also diagrams. One point of slight disappointment is that several diagrams appear to be from a contemporary text on treatment planning. In conclusion, the second section, in particular, provides an excellent resource for up to date information on the treatment of patients with cancer. The aim of providing a text suitable for the whole multi-disciplinary team is most achieved here. Section one, however, is disappointing with particular reference to modern equipment and as such would
Ó 2003 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
178
BOOK REVIEWS
need to be supported by alternate data sources and text for those requiring a detailed knowledge. Russel Hart MSc, Cert Ed, DCR(R), Lecturer Radiotherapy Services Manager, PG Cert (Breast Ultrasound), DCR(R), Lecturer Radiotherapy Department, Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 IPB, UK Tel: 44 115 969 1169 doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00033-6
Fundamentals of Mammography (2nd Ed.) Linda Lee, Verdi Strickland, Robin Wilson and Andrew Evans, Churchill Livingstone 2003, 171 pages, £35.99 soft back, 178 illustrations. Thank you for asking us to review this second edition of the ÔFundamentals of MammographyÕ, which has a new co-author in Andrew Evans replacing Eric Roebuck. It has a pleasant cover and is very handy. As in the first edition, the book is divided into chapters. Each chapter is supported by either comprehensive further reading and/or references, which is very helpful. There are 13 chapters in this edition compared with 12 in the first. The additional chapter is entitled ÔBreast ScreeningÕ by Andrew Evans and Robin Wilson, which not only makes a very sound argument for the Breast Screening Programme, but also gives a brief current overview of the system. Chapter 9, previously entitled ÔQuality Assurance of Radiographic PerformanceÕ, has a new title ÔTraining, Education and Continuing Professional DevelopmentÕ. This chapter highlights the changes occurring in mammography practice and education, from the expanding role of the mammographer to the controversial issue of the introduction of Assistant Practitioners. While, overall the topic is briefly covered, it is well addressed; however, Figure 9.3 is rather confusing, can a Mammography Assistant Practitioner directly enter third year of an undergraduate programme? This chapter also deals well with the audit of mammographic clinical practice, namely current issues in relation to the application of the PGMI performance criteria. Unfortunately, several
of the images are of very poor quality, especially when compared with the first edition, which reduces the effectiveness of the given examples. Chapters 4–7, as in the first edition, deal exceptionally well with mammographic technique, being a great asset to any mammographer in the demonstration of positioning the lady, difficulties in positioning and how these may be overcome, and showing the area of breast tissue being demonstrated for each projection. Chapter 7 has been expanded and updated with regard to tissue sampling. The positioning images, overall, are the same as the first edition; hence, up to date equipment is not demonstrated. Chapter 11 is an excellent introduction to the basis of mammographic image interpretation, although as in chapter 9, the images demonstrating pathology are of a poor quality, losing their effectiveness. Disappointingly, Chapters 1 and 2 have not been updated to reflect the current changes. The explanation of the equipment is limited, especially in relation to new technologies, such as dual track anodes, selectable filters and new film screen technology. There is very limited reference to digital imaging. Overall, this is a very good basic book with excellent chapters on mammographic technique and an introduction to mammographic interpretation. If the authors had taken the opportunity to update the content to reflect the recent changes in breast imaging technology, as discussed, this would certainly have enhanced the overall value. However, it still remains a good choice for an introductory overview of the subject. Janet Horrocks, MSc, Cert Ed, DCR(R), Lecturer Jane Bull, PG Cert (Breast Ultrasound), DCR(R), Lecturer Imaging Group, School of Healthcare Studies, Baines Wing, University of Leeds, PO Box 214, Leeds LS2 9UT, UK E-mail: [email protected] ( J. Horrocks) Tel: 44 113 343 1327; Fax: 44 113 343 1461 doi:10.1016/S1078-8174(03)00043-9
Pocket Book of Radiographic Positioning. Edited by Ruth Sutherland 2003. Elsevier Science Ltd, Edinburgh. 160 pages, ISBN 0-443-07210-8.