Nuclear Oncology

C. Aktolun and S.J. Goldsmith

Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, 2015, 736 pages, $299

This book applies an interesting but rational approach to nuclear oncology by dedicating a single chapter to each of 18 types of tumors that involve organs and 5 types of tumors that have the propensity to involve the entire body. On one topic, gastric cancer, there are 2 chapters. Topics of special clinical concern in nuclear medicine are addressed in 9 chapters, whereas the relevant basic sciences are discussed in 9 chapters. The final chapters address the technical issues of radiochemistry and translational imaging.

The chapters are generally well organized, with an excellent correlation between scintigraphy, PET, SPECT, and hybrid imaging, as well as other imaging modalities. Epidemiologic data and the relevant basic sciences are included, along with some patient outcome studies. Most chapters are written by authorities in the specific field and are well referenced with up-to-date literature.

Although this book deals primarily with nuclear imaging, for which there are over 660 pages of detailed coverage, radionuclide therapies are also discussed, to a lesser extent, in the chapters on thyroid cancer (4 pages), liver cancer (1 page), bone tumors (2 pages), and lymphomas (2 pages). Unlike the last 9 chapters, which are dedicated to newer imaging methods and techniques, not a single chapter is dedicated to radionuclide therapy. Nevertheless, the book is an excellent compendium on nuclear imaging of various tumors for trainees and practicing nuclear physicians. It even comes with an interactive CD that users can load on their computer or mobile device to read the book and receive updates.

• © 2015 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.