Neurofibromatosis. (Von Recklinghausen Disease). Genetics, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry. Advances in Neurology. Volume 29

Development of Bacterial Infections in Cancer Patients," by Michel P. Glauser and Stephen H. Zinner. The latter chapter reviews systematically the predisposing factors which result in unusual susceptibility. The specific side effects of various cytotoxic agents are discussed, but this section could be enlarged. These chapters would be illuminating to any practitioner faced with treating cancer patients who may have a bacterial infection. As Klastersky points out, it is clearly better to prevent infection than to have to treat it, and his chapter, "Infection Prevention in Cancer Patients," is another outstanding one and well worth the time investment for a busy practitioner. Antibiotic prophylaxis, protected environments, immunoprophylaxis, and granulocyte replacement are all covered (although briefly) in this chapter. I recommend this volume to medical people who want practical information relating to infections in cancer patients. Hematologists, infectious diseases specialists, internists, and pediatricians could all make use of this volume. Hospital and departmental libraries could provide it for those who need a ready reference, while practitioners would want a copy for themselves to peruse at their convenience.