The Cell Builders

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In this account of the rapid growth of biotechnology, DeYoung focuses in considerable detail on the immunological techniques employed to produce large quantities of antibodies designed to attack a specific antigen like cancer. He profiles those who have spawned a new industrythe biologists responsible for discovering these techniques, such as Nobel Prize-winners Cesar Milstein and George Kohler, and the entrepreneurs committed to exploiting those discoveries. In this connection, DeYoung speculates as to whether market values will prevail over medical and human needs. Interwoven with the discussion of these scientific and business developments is the story told in novelistic style of a young physician who, upon discovering that he has lymphoma, undertakes research into the nature of his cancer and seeks out the help of immunologists in the management and treatment of his disease. (July 18)

Library Journal

DeYoung fits three stories in his book. The largest concerns immunology between 1975 and 1984specifically the creation of hybridomas and their use in producing monoclonal antibodies to fight cancerthe smallest the struggle of Dr. Jack Christie (a pseudonym) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In between is the chronicle of Damon Corp., working in the fast-paced area of biotechnology. This tripartite approach captures the drama of the conflict between businessmen, research scientists working for/with them, and researchers at the National Cancer Institute. Discoveries and terms are clearly explained, though illustrations would help in the more technical discussions. A broader view of the immune system is given in Steven Mizel's In Self Defense ( LJ 3/1/85), but DeYoung's account is highly recommended. Michael D. Cramer, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ. Lib., Blacksburg