Palliative Radiation Oncology, 1st Edition

By: Neha Vapiwala, Joshua A. Jones, and Kavita V. Dharmarajan 

ISBN: 9780323876889 

Publication Date: March 29, 2023 

Reviewer: Mark D. Hurwitz, MD (New York Medical College) 

Description 

This book addresses palliative care in radiation oncology from a multi-dimensional perspective and includes an eBook component. The website resources provide quick links to cited references but offer limited additional features beyond the convenience of expanded access to the book. 

Purpose 

According to the forward, the goal of the book is to serve as the go-to text on the art and science of palliative radiation therapy. Given the significant portion of care in radiation medicine that is palliative in nature, such a book is long overdue. 

Audience 

The book is designed to serve as a resource for those involved in the delivery of care in radiation oncology, including trainees, nurses, and attending physicians. Practitioners across this broad spectrum will find the topics informative, as many are not addressed in routine training or professional development. The authors and contributors are recognized experts in the subject matter and add credibility to the value of the material presented. 

Features 

The book is divided into three sections: (1) Foundations and Principles of Palliative Care in Oncology; (2) Techniques and Modalities; and (3) Foundations and Principles of Palliative Radiation by Body Site or Special Population. The first section in particular provides information on topics that many practitioners are not well versed in, such as prognostication and troubleshooting difficult conversations. 

Assessment 

The book is a welcome addition to our field. Of note, my nursing staff has taken an active interest in the book. Given the significant proportion of patients treated palliatively with radiation, it is surprising that this topic has not been previously addressed in a consolidated and comprehensive manner.  While many of these topics are covered in definitive texts such as Perez & Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, 7th Edition, Halperin et al. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2018), the singular focus and depth of coverage of the subject matter adds meaningfully to the available literature. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2023, Mark D. Hurwitz, MD (New York Medical College), Doody’s Score: 91 – 4 Stars! 

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