Book Reviews

The use of computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized medicine, making it relatively easy to see inside the brain, bones, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Not too long ago palpation and percussion were the only ways to determine viscus size and pulmonary status. Now any clinical medical student or house staff can order these powerful tools. These tools are also used to direct biopsy needles to sample suspicious areas. This has resulted in shorter hospital stays. In the last decade, several new technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET), radio-labeled antibodies and new contrast agents have allowed specialists to image molecular reactions determining not only anatomical but also functional biology. Tumors, because they have neovascularization or metabolize glucose differently, can be differentiated from normal cells. Lymph nodes can be diagnosed as malignant based not on size but also on their neovascularity or metabolism. Kim and Yang and their colleagues have prepared a small but detailed account of the state of the art in radioimagery. Their book contains 21 chapters dealing with a review of the biology of cancer, the physics of imagery and specific discussions of the latest technologies in radioimagery. The chapters are mainly written by colleagues at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The authors state their goals are ‘to provide curious oncologists and imaging specialists with a basis to explore the medical potential of targeted molecular imaging for the better management of cancer patients’. This book is packed with information about current clinical technology and also exciting, new laboratory findings that offer promise for the future. Soon we will see the promises become realities. Paul P. Carbone, Madison, Wisc.