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Tumor Suppressor Genes
Pathology (1992), 24,pp. 232
BOOK REVIEWS
Tumor Suppressor Genes. Edited by GEORGEKLEINMarcel Dekker Inc., New York, Basel, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-8247-8218-6, pp. x+345, US$I19.50
This book is a highly specialized monograph dealing with an increasingly important topic involving genetic factors called tumor suppressor genes (or anti-oncogenes) which have been identified in a number of human tumors. The most publicized example is the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (TSG) on chromosome 13q14. Contributing authors are many and include Australia’s Henry Harris. As stated in a number of chapters, it is difficult to discuss TSG without the oncogenes - a topic on their own. Thus, there are 2 chapters (43) which deal predominantly with the RAS oncogene family although there is only some evidence that RAS may act as a TSG. I found that the frequent changes from TSG to oncogene and vice versa made the text more difficult to follow at times. Two chapters are particularly relevant to the TSG story. The first chapter (7) deals with Drosophila and how a TSG (I(2)gl) had been cloned and characterized in this model of carcinogenesis and the effect of TSGs. The next chapter (9) deals with the retinoblastoma story - a historical review leading up to the present isolation of the retinoblastoma protein (pp 1 Ips) and some hypotheses as to its mode of action as a TSG. The remaining chapters describe the role of cell hybridization studies and their utility in defining the presence and possible location of TSGs; the role of tumor viruses in modulating the host’s genetic responses and a number of steps in carcinogenesis and TSG which might be influenced by or targeted for modulation e.g. cell-cell interactions; differentiating agents. The monograph is of particular relevance to those who work in the area. In places it is difficult to read which partly reflects the amount of information which is presented. It would make a useful reference text.
R . J . Trent
Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Edited by RONALD HOFFMAN, EDWARD J BENZ.J R SANDFORD J . SHATTIL. BRUCEFURIE. HARVEY J COHENChurchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Tokyo, Melbourne, New York, 1991. ISBN 0-443-08643-5, pp xxv+ 1919. $220.00 (AUD)
.
This volume is a newcomer to the already competitive group of major textbooks of hematology; equivalent works being those of Wintrobe, Williams and Weatherall. To my mind it is a worthy contender, being up-to-date, detailed and readible. It is edited by 5 eminent hematologists from the U.S.A. with 203 writers contributing 163 chapters. There are very few authors from outside the United States. With 1850 pages of text and comparatively small type there is no question that the volume IS comprehensive. The large numbers of contributors means that the coverage is not only comprehensive but authoritative. The text is upto-date and the 50-250 references to each chapter are relevant and topical. The book has nine major divisions which include sections on “Molecular and Cellular Basis of Hematology”, “Biology of Stem Cells and Disorders of Hematopoiesis”, a separate section on “Consultative Hematology” (hematological complications of systemic disorders) and a section on “Special Tests and Procedures.” There are 9 pages of coloured photomicrographs and clinical photographs at the beginning of the book. While in general the quality is good, the fact that they are not included at the appropriate places in
in the text makes them less useful than they might be. The remainder of the organization of the book I found excellent. Each major topic is divided into a comparatively large number of small chapters which are again sub-divided into half column sections. For example, following a chapter on the “Pharmacology of Antineoplastic Agents and Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance”, there are individual appendices on “Clinical Pharmacology of Alkylating Agents”, of “Plant Alkaloids”, of “Antitumour Antibiotics”, of “Antimetabolites” and of “Miscellaneous Agents.” This is followed by a comprehensivechapter dealing with ‘‘Biological Response Modifiers.” I find this sub-division into small sections encouraging in such a large volume. The pages are double column with plenty of space to highlight the sub-headings. There is an excellent series of simple tables, many diagrams and highlighting of what could be regarded as the most important message in the chapter. The highlighted segments are on a coloured background and are a further feature that makes the book palatable. The section headed “Consultative Hematology”, while not completely original, is thorough and valuable. The section on “Special Tests and Procedures” is of necessity selective and includes “preparation and interpretation of peripheral blood smears”, “bone marrow aspiration, technique, examination and interpretation”. This is followed by a section on “Hemoglobinopathy”, “Skin Bleeding Time”, “Immunoglobulins”, ‘‘Molecular Techniques” and “Cytogenetics”. The index, in keeping with the rest of the book, is comprehensive and thorough. In short I found this a very accessible textbook and one which compares extremely favourably with its now ageing competitors. C. Chesterrnun
DUCKETT. The Puthologv of the Aging Human Nervous System. SERGE Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1991. ISBN 0-8121-1355-1, pp. xix + 505. AUD $160. This multi-author volume represents a unique compilation of data concerning the neuropathology of ageing. It provides extensivedocumentation on all facets of this topic going far beyond the usual dissertations on ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. There are chapters devoted to degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, others dealing with demyelination, trauma and infectious diseases in the elderly. Most chapters provide a comprehensive literature survey and pictorial displays. Even though the topic is currently one of the most rapidly advancing in the field of neuroscience and such a book could easily date, many authors have provided extensive discussions on the current controversial theories. These, along with the novel perspectives on neoplasms, immunology, genetics, drugs and neuroradiology, are particular strong points. The chapters differ stylistically, the more novel and controversial being extensive and expansive, while others provide only textbook analyses of the topic. Despite the stylistic discrepancies, most topics are adequately reviewed, with some topics discussed clearly and with insight. Many inconsistencies in the literature are clarified and current perspective on controversial topics is provided. A minor criticism is the lack of detailed cross-referencing between similar topics in different chapters. For any practitioner interested in the neuropathology of a wide range of disorders in the elderly, this book will provide a valuable resource that will date less than similar texts. C. Harper
BOOK REVIEWS
Tumor Suppressor Genes. Edited by GEORGEKLEINMarcel Dekker Inc., New York, Basel, Hong Kong, 1990. ISBN 0-8247-8218-6, pp. x+345, US$I19.50
This book is a highly specialized monograph dealing with an increasingly important topic involving genetic factors called tumor suppressor genes (or anti-oncogenes) which have been identified in a number of human tumors. The most publicized example is the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (TSG) on chromosome 13q14. Contributing authors are many and include Australia’s Henry Harris. As stated in a number of chapters, it is difficult to discuss TSG without the oncogenes - a topic on their own. Thus, there are 2 chapters (43) which deal predominantly with the RAS oncogene family although there is only some evidence that RAS may act as a TSG. I found that the frequent changes from TSG to oncogene and vice versa made the text more difficult to follow at times. Two chapters are particularly relevant to the TSG story. The first chapter (7) deals with Drosophila and how a TSG (I(2)gl) had been cloned and characterized in this model of carcinogenesis and the effect of TSGs. The next chapter (9) deals with the retinoblastoma story - a historical review leading up to the present isolation of the retinoblastoma protein (pp 1 Ips) and some hypotheses as to its mode of action as a TSG. The remaining chapters describe the role of cell hybridization studies and their utility in defining the presence and possible location of TSGs; the role of tumor viruses in modulating the host’s genetic responses and a number of steps in carcinogenesis and TSG which might be influenced by or targeted for modulation e.g. cell-cell interactions; differentiating agents. The monograph is of particular relevance to those who work in the area. In places it is difficult to read which partly reflects the amount of information which is presented. It would make a useful reference text.
R . J . Trent
Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Edited by RONALD HOFFMAN, EDWARD J BENZ.J R SANDFORD J . SHATTIL. BRUCEFURIE. HARVEY J COHENChurchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Tokyo, Melbourne, New York, 1991. ISBN 0-443-08643-5, pp xxv+ 1919. $220.00 (AUD)
.
This volume is a newcomer to the already competitive group of major textbooks of hematology; equivalent works being those of Wintrobe, Williams and Weatherall. To my mind it is a worthy contender, being up-to-date, detailed and readible. It is edited by 5 eminent hematologists from the U.S.A. with 203 writers contributing 163 chapters. There are very few authors from outside the United States. With 1850 pages of text and comparatively small type there is no question that the volume IS comprehensive. The large numbers of contributors means that the coverage is not only comprehensive but authoritative. The text is upto-date and the 50-250 references to each chapter are relevant and topical. The book has nine major divisions which include sections on “Molecular and Cellular Basis of Hematology”, “Biology of Stem Cells and Disorders of Hematopoiesis”, a separate section on “Consultative Hematology” (hematological complications of systemic disorders) and a section on “Special Tests and Procedures.” There are 9 pages of coloured photomicrographs and clinical photographs at the beginning of the book. While in general the quality is good, the fact that they are not included at the appropriate places in
in the text makes them less useful than they might be. The remainder of the organization of the book I found excellent. Each major topic is divided into a comparatively large number of small chapters which are again sub-divided into half column sections. For example, following a chapter on the “Pharmacology of Antineoplastic Agents and Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance”, there are individual appendices on “Clinical Pharmacology of Alkylating Agents”, of “Plant Alkaloids”, of “Antitumour Antibiotics”, of “Antimetabolites” and of “Miscellaneous Agents.” This is followed by a comprehensivechapter dealing with ‘‘Biological Response Modifiers.” I find this sub-division into small sections encouraging in such a large volume. The pages are double column with plenty of space to highlight the sub-headings. There is an excellent series of simple tables, many diagrams and highlighting of what could be regarded as the most important message in the chapter. The highlighted segments are on a coloured background and are a further feature that makes the book palatable. The section headed “Consultative Hematology”, while not completely original, is thorough and valuable. The section on “Special Tests and Procedures” is of necessity selective and includes “preparation and interpretation of peripheral blood smears”, “bone marrow aspiration, technique, examination and interpretation”. This is followed by a section on “Hemoglobinopathy”, “Skin Bleeding Time”, “Immunoglobulins”, ‘‘Molecular Techniques” and “Cytogenetics”. The index, in keeping with the rest of the book, is comprehensive and thorough. In short I found this a very accessible textbook and one which compares extremely favourably with its now ageing competitors. C. Chesterrnun
DUCKETT. The Puthologv of the Aging Human Nervous System. SERGE Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1991. ISBN 0-8121-1355-1, pp. xix + 505. AUD $160. This multi-author volume represents a unique compilation of data concerning the neuropathology of ageing. It provides extensivedocumentation on all facets of this topic going far beyond the usual dissertations on ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. There are chapters devoted to degenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, others dealing with demyelination, trauma and infectious diseases in the elderly. Most chapters provide a comprehensive literature survey and pictorial displays. Even though the topic is currently one of the most rapidly advancing in the field of neuroscience and such a book could easily date, many authors have provided extensive discussions on the current controversial theories. These, along with the novel perspectives on neoplasms, immunology, genetics, drugs and neuroradiology, are particular strong points. The chapters differ stylistically, the more novel and controversial being extensive and expansive, while others provide only textbook analyses of the topic. Despite the stylistic discrepancies, most topics are adequately reviewed, with some topics discussed clearly and with insight. Many inconsistencies in the literature are clarified and current perspective on controversial topics is provided. A minor criticism is the lack of detailed cross-referencing between similar topics in different chapters. For any practitioner interested in the neuropathology of a wide range of disorders in the elderly, this book will provide a valuable resource that will date less than similar texts. C. Harper