Bernstein M, Berger MS, eds. Neuro-Oncology: The Essentials. 3rd ed. Thieme; 2014; 616 pgs.; 377 illustrations; $199.99
Neuro-Oncology: The Essentials (3rd edition) is edited by two well-known neurosurgeons, Dr. Bernstein, from the University of Toronto, and Dr. Berger, from UCSF. This 616-page hardcover book is written for and should appeal to all those in the clinical neurosciences—especially those in neuroimaging and those treating CNS tumors, whether medically or surgically.
Over 75 authors contribute to the seven sections of the book: Biology; Evaluation; Surgery; Radiation; Systemic Therapy; Specific Tumors; Related Issues. Nearly 50 chapters are covered in these sections. While all are of value, some relate directly to the practice of neuroradiology, while others serve to broaden our appreciation of neuro-oncology. In the latter category there are, for example, 14 pages on pathology and molecular classification. Several radiologists don’t deal with that type of information on a daily basis but are exposed to these classifications in our readings of the literature or at conferences/tumor boards. All chapters contain a number of highlighted “Pearls” that allow the reader to solidify the major points of the chapters. Also interspersed are highlighted “Pitfalls”, “Key Concepts”, “Special Considerations”, and “Controversies”.
Interestingly and importantly, the editors (Bernstein and Berger) add an Editor’s Note at the end of each chapter. These notes tell the reader where the field is headed and/or what needs to be accomplished in the future.
As would be expected, material on surgery is a major part of the book; however, the content is relevant to neuroimaging. For example, in the chapter on endoscopic approaches, one gains a strong understanding of the various approaches (as we know it is not all “transphenoidal”). Why this is of great interest to neuroradiologists is because it gives a sense of what the surgeon may encounter. It would have been an important addition, however, had the authors listed in a separate part of this chapter what needs to be mentioned in a radiology report when different endonasal approaches are used. That would include which specific measurements are needed, since size/position/extent/volume of a mass alter the approach.
Nineteen different tumors or tumor types are described, each in a separate chapter. It is nice to see that spinal tumors (both intradural and spinal column) are part of the book. Even non-CNS and non-PNS tumors are included, such as giant cell tumors, ABCs, and metastases. Surgical approaches to these are described.
For those needing a review of neuroradiology in neuro-oncology there are chapters on pseudoprogression (also mentioned is pseudoresponse, in the chapter on imaging), metabolic imaging (basically PET), physiological imaging (pMR/spectroscopy), and functional imaging (fMR). None of these chapters are extensive and should not be considered source material in imaging.
Clearly, the value of this book to a neuroradiologist would be in the nonimaging aspects of neuro-oncology, where the material would help in rounding out one’s appreciation of the basics and treatment options of CNS tumors.
