New textbook on breast cancer biology is first of its kind

Loyola University Health System radiation oncologist William Small, Jr., M.D., is co-editor of the first textbook of its kind devoted to describing the biological complexities of breast cancer in a way that is relevant to radiation oncologists.

The book is titled "Breast Cancer Biology for the Radiation Oncologist."

Small is chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Radiation Oncology traditionally treated breast cancer as a single biological entity, with treatment decisions based on clinical and pathologic risk factors. But scientists have learned that biological subtypes of breast cancer may have different risks of recurrence and sensitivity to radiotherapy.

Multi-gene arrays that for years have been used to predict the risk of distant recurrence and the value of chemotherapy also may be useful in predicting the risk of local recurrence. Additionally, targeted drugs used to treat breast cancer may interact with radiotherapy in ways that can be either beneficial or undesirable.

All of these emerging issues are extensively discussed in the book, and practical, evidence-based treatment recommendations are presented whenever possible.

Other co-editors are Jonathan Strauss, M.D., and Gayle Woloshak, Ph.D. of Northwestern University's Department of Radiation Oncology.

Provided by Loyola University Health System