Reviewer: Anna B Pawlowska, MD (City of Hope National Medical Center)
Description: This practical manual provides concise information on all aspects of the stem cell transplantation process, outlines the etiology of significant post-transplant complications, and presents an approach to patient management based on institutional (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) standards of care. The first edition was published in 2009.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a practical pocket manual for all members of the stem cell and bone marrow transplant team. This is very useful as a quick reference, particularly because the number of available practical manuals is limited.
Audience: The audience includes members of the multidisciplinary team managing stem cell transplant patients, including hematologists, fellows, nursing staff, supportive caregivers, as well as consultants from different medical subspecialties. Joseph Antin, an internationally recognized clinician and scientist, is chief of the stem cell transplant program at the Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center in Boston. Deborah Yolin Raley is a director of the Dana-Farber physician assistant program with expertise in stem cell transplantation.
Features: The book outlines all aspects of the stem cell transplant process including basic concepts of HCT, patient/donor selection and evaluation, concept of conditioning regimens, supportive care, and prevention and treatment of transplant-related complications, including GVHD, infections, and complications affecting specific organs. Chapters are concise, practical, and clearly organized with an outline/bullet format, making it useful as a manual for providing uniform quality care to patients. The new chapter on oral health in this edition is detailed and informative. Tables, figures, and algorithms allow for a quick overview of topics. The extensive index assists in quick location of needed information, although references are limited. Guidelines on patient management are based on institutional standards and practices, but the authors include comments that the specific management recommendations can vary based on institution and different protocol requirements.
Assessment: This book offers a clear, well-organized overview of the basic principles of stem cell transplant in an outline format. Explanation of etiology and mechanism of action of multiple drugs/interventions allows readers to understand this complicated process. Patient management guidelines are specific and detailed, which offers enormous help in providing uniform care in an environment where multiple providers and trainees are involved. In the field of stem cell transplant, institutions develop their own practice standards, which can differ, based on the local experience and research protocols. As a result, the authors acknowledge that some of their recommendations are institution based, but they provide limited references to validate their practice. This book is very useful as a quick reference manual in the field of stem cell transplant, especially as the number of practical manuals available on the market is limited. Other publications are more focused on long-term post-transplant care or provide information for patients, and comprehensive stem cell transplant reference books serve a different purpose than this practical manual.
