Book Review

Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer

N Engl J Med 2000; 343:307July 27, 2000

Article

Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
By John M. Daly, Thomas P.J. Hennessy, and John V. Reynolds. 316 pp., illustrated. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1999. $85. ISBN: 0-7020-2147-4

This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Pharyngeal and upper duodenal lesions are not covered; the book focuses instead on malignant and premalignant lesions of the esophagus and stomach. The contributors come from both sides of the Atlantic and include a substantial group of oncologists from Asia, notably Japan and Hong Kong.

Modern methods of staging gastric and esophageal cancers, various staging systems, and the importance of Barrett's esophagus and intestinal metaplasia are covered in detail, with information from both Western and Japanese studies. Emphasis is placed on multimodal therapy for both palliation and cure. The evolution of endoscopic ultrasonography and other imaging techniques for preoperative staging is well covered. Surgical strategies are well outlined. Early cancer and the role of endoscopic and laparoscopy treatment are fully discussed.

There are some minor omissions: achalasia, gastric polyps, and indications for and methods of supplemental nutrition are not covered. Despite these minor omissions, the book provides exceedingly valuable information on upper gastrointestinal cancer. The chapters are well edited and fairly uniform in style, which makes them easy to read. In summary, this monograph is a magnificent blend of the scientific, technical, and clinical aspects of gastroesophageal cancer. It is a valuable source of information on an important topic.

A.R. Moossa, M.D.
University of California, San Diego, Medical Center, San Diego, CA 92103