Radiation Oncology: Rationale, Technique, Results

From The Critics

Reviewer: Ralph Ermoian, MD(University of Washington Medical Center)
Description: This is the ninth edition of a book that summarizes the vast breadth of the clinical practice of radiation oncology, with a particular reliance on the experience of MD Anderson Cancer Center in many sections. The previous edition was published in 2003.
Purpose: The book strives to cover most topics in radiation oncology, particularly clinical topics, using a consistent format. This is a valuable reference for radiation oncologists and trainees and it meets most of its editors' objectives, although it occasionally falls short in presenting consistent depth.
Audience: This well-edited book is accessible to both practicing radiation oncologists and others, such as trainees and other health providers, caring for cancer patients. The editors are pioneers in the field of radiation oncology and their judgment is well respected
Features: Divided into two large sections, the first covers the principles of radiotherapy and the second is a collection of disease-specific chapters. Some parts of the first chapter on radiation biology, cowritten by Eric Hall, are more cursory while others expand upon his Radiobiology for the Radiation Oncologist, 6th edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). The true value added by this reference lies in the outstanding figures, many in color, that illustrate a wealth of complicated concepts. These are a dramatic improvement over the figures in the previous edition. The chapter on proton therapy is sufficient, but it devotes only eight pages (out of over 1,000) to clinical proton therapy applications. Although discussion in other chapters briefly alludes to proton therapy for prostate (half a page) and central nervous system (a couple of pages and illustrations), it seems the strongest argument made for proton therapy in the clinical section is reduced rates of secondary malignancy. Obviously, the parts of the book addressing the physics of proton therapy allude to other advantages, and other chapters suggest some site-specific advantages. However, readers seeking in-depth information on proton therapy should not select this book over others. This is somewhat disappointing, given the editors' institution. It seems likely the next edition will explore proton therapy more rigorously. The section on palliative radiation therapy is generally terrific. It goes into an excellent level of detail, both about the context of palliative therapy and particular treatments, and is complete and practical. The chapter on the oropharynx is outstanding, as one would expect in a book edited by Dr. Ang. It provides wonderful background, rationales for treatment, treatment technique details, and figures. This is a terrific reference.
Assessment: In short, this is a very good book for current radiation oncologists, trainees in the field, and their colleagues in other disciplines treating patients with cancer. Its significant improvements include updated clinical information and color figures. On most topics, it provides a thorough and accessible resource on the full range of topics related to the specialty.