Brain and Spinal Tumors of Childhood (Hardcover)

by David A. Walker (Editor), Giorgio Perilongo (Editor), Jonathan A. G. Punt (Editor), Roger E. Taylor (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From The New England Journal of Medicine
This is the second textbook in recent years to provide a comprehensive assessment of the evolving field of pediatric neuro-oncology. Before the publication of this book and Tumors of the Pediatric Central Nervous System (R.F. Keating, et al. Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme, 2001), there had not been an inclusive review of this topic since the early 1990s. In contrast to Tumors of the Pediatric Central Nervous System, whose editors reside in the United States (along with most of the authors), Brain and Spinal Tumors of Childhood is edited and largely authored by experts from outside the United States. For this reason, it offers a more international perspective on the field. The book is divided into six major sections. In addition to the anticipated chapters on the major neuro-oncologic diagnoses of childhood, there are sections on epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment planning, treatment techniques, late sequelae, and supportive care. Chapter 2, which gives a brief time line and pictorial presentation highlighting the historical basis of neuro-oncology, is unusual. The chapter goes as far back as the period from 2500 to 1600 b.c., during which time two papyrus documents discussed surgical and "magical treatments for cancer" (which some might argue are not so far afield from some current treatments), and then nicely chronicles the pace of progress during the past two centuries. On balance, the book is well edited. A few chapters (e.g., chapter 11 on neuropsychological outcomes, which is sandwiched between radiotherapy techniques and drug delivery) seem misplaced. There are no glaring omissions of content, and the perspective is as current as modern publishing allows. One editing feature that could have been improved on is the presentation of certain topics in boxed text throughout the book. The content appears somewhat random, including definitions, treatment recommendations, clinical vignettes, and information on staging. Most of this content is incorporated into the surrounding text and does little to further educate the reader. In the introduction, the editors (perhaps at the behest of the publisher) anticipate a wide readership encompassing all the subspecialties, as well as generalists and others involved in the care of children with brain tumors. As is often the case, the book seems ideal for the trainee beginning an exploration of this topic or for a colleague whose focus is not within pediatric neuro-oncology but who is looking for a more comprehensive overview than is available elsewhere. For myself, I will place this book on the shelf next to Tumors of the Pediatric Central Nervous System so that when my colleagues stop by, they will be impressed that my chosen subspecialty (a choice that many of them will never quite understand) warrants multiple up-to-date textbooks on the topic. Kenneth J. Cohen, M.D.
Copyright © 2005 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

Review

"This is the second textbook in recent years to provide a comprehensive assessment of the evolving field of pediatric neuro-oncology." --The New England Journal of Medicine


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Product Details

• Hardcover: 552 pages
• Publisher: A Hodder Arnold Publication; 1 edition (September 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340762608
• ISBN-13: 978-0340762608
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,223,513 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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