Bennett JM, editor: The Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Pathobiology and Clinical Management, 528 pp, New York, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2002 ($165.00).

This is the 27th volume in the Basic and Clinical Oncology series, whose goal is to present new knowledge discovered at the intersection between the laboratory and the clinic. The current, multi-authored book covers diverse facets of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognostic factors, drug resistance, and therapy.

As a diagnostic hematopathologist, I found especially illuminating the discussions of the new World Health Organization classification of hematological malignancies, hypocellular MDS, therapy-related MDS, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia in children.

I can imagine that my clinical colleagues will appreciate the chapters on response criteria for MDS, treatment of anemia, and new investigational strategies.

In general, the chapters are succinct and concentrate on the most recent developments in the field. Despite the many contributors (33!), the volume reads well, with an erudite and literary quality. I can recommend it to any pathologist or clinician who regularly attends the American Society of Hematology meeting. It is practical, scholarly, and to the point.