Book Review

Prostate Cancer

N Engl J Med 1996; 335:64July 4, 1996

Article

Prostate Cancer
By Roger S. Kirby, Timothy J. Christmas, and Michael K. Brawer. 170 pp., illustrated. St. Louis, Mosby, 1996. $100. ISBN: 0-7234-2050-5

This book is a concise, up-to-date review of the number-one cancer in men: prostate cancer. The 14 chapters address topics ranging from epidemiology and molecular biology to the management of localized and advanced cancer. The chapters are well organized and well written, with tables and figures that make it easy to glean the essential message. The information is presented in a logical, practical, and straightforward manner. As a result, this book will have appeal not only for urologists and urologists in training but also for primary care physicians, family practitioners, geriatricians, and internists. It is also a useful book for nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants, as well as paramedical personnel.

The conciseness of Prostate Cancer (170 pages, including the index) is attractive but makes the book somewhat limited with regard to the depth and comprehensiveness of each subject covered. The reference lists at the end of the chapters are not exhaustive, but they do contain the landmark articles on the topics under discussion.

Prostate Cancer provides an excellent summary and overview of the current issues and controversies related to prostate cancer. The book gives the reader a sound rationale for the early detection of prostate cancer, a practical approach to its staging, and a patient-oriented process of decision making in the management of adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Joseph E. Oesterling, M.D.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109