The field of solid tumor oncology is changing at an astonishing rate. To learn about new developments, generate fresh research perspectives, and then integrate these advancements into clinical practice is a daunting challenge confronting all who work in the oncology arena. The onset and rapid deployment of Internet capacities worldwide has created a mileau of global and instantaneous information access. The task of staying current is - coming even more challenging, and in some ways, more difficult to accomplish. Against this information pressure backdrop, how can yet more didactic material for the already overburdened oncology physician be justified? Based on the premise that we all must remain in a learning mode if we are to remain relevant, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Annual of Solid Tumor Oncology is designed to focus on a single disease site in each volume. It is our belief that there is an information “gray zone” that lies - tween the peer reviewed (and increasingly electronically available) individual research - port and the large comprehensive multiauthored textbook. Between these two loci there - ists an information gap that will be best served by a succinct disease site-focused volume that provides an in-depth analysis of current multimodality care for a specific solid tumor system, as well as the areas of basic, translational, and clinical research that will emerge for future clinical application.
From the reviews:
"This volume about pancreatic cancer defines the standard on multimodality care ... . All chapters of this volume are written by outstanding authors who are among the leading world experts, and it is completed by several tables and high-quality images ... . At a time when research is beginning to understand the molecular basis of solid tumours, this volume becomes a precious tool ... . It is almost mandatory for clinicians, surgical oncologists and general surgeons to have such an in-depth, up-to-date and referenced volume." (C. Cucino, Digestive and Liver Disease, Vol. 36, 2004)
"This monograph covers all current aspects of the management of pancreatic cancer in commendable detail. The book is well produced and contains sufficient illustrations in high quality black and white. ... There is considerable attention to detail of the technique for surgical resection, and one chapter each has been devoted to endoscopic palliation and celiac plexus block. ... this book provides a comprehensive review of pancreatic cancer, with well-referenced reviews in the majority of areas of current therapeutic interest ." (Colin D. Johnson, European Journal of Cancer Care, Vol. 12 (3), 2003)
"Pancreatic Cancer, which is part of the MD Anderson Solid Tumour Oncology Series, is an extremely worthwhile reference book for clinicians involved in the management of pancreatic cancer. ... pancreatic cancer poses a difficult management problem for clinicians. An understanding of tumour biology by clinicians will assist with the introduction of ... new therapies into clinical practice. This book will undoubtedly achieve its intended aim." (D. Fenton-Lee, Cancer Forum, Vol. 27 (1), 2003)
"The purpose of this book is to provide information to anyone interested in the field of pancreatic cancer, in order to achieve the best care for patients ... . The strength of this book is represented by the last part, which provides up-to-date and novel insights on emerging therapies of pancreatic cancer. ... this is a valuable book. It will give clinicians involved in this particular field an excellent background and introduction, plus a clear view on future development." (S. Cascinu, Annals of Oncology, Vol. 13 (6), 2002)
