Between bench and bedside : science, healing, and interleukin-2 in a cancer ward /

L"owy describes a realistic history of the clinical study of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the treatment of advanced cancers, demonstrating that there are distinct differences in the approaches of clinicians and laboratory scientists, though the professional groups provide legitimacy for one another. A basic understanding of medical terminology and the research process would be helpful for the reader, though not essential. The phases, steps, and interactions of groups and individuals in the testing of IL-2 are described in detail. The assumptions made by non-National Cancer Institute specialists, industry, and politicians, which resulted in pressure to begin trials prematurely and the drawing of errant conclusions, are described with an honesty and objectivity not often seen in medical literature. Through the recounting of the IL-2 drug trial history, the conclusion may be drawn that the chances for developing a cure for disseminating cancer is for closer ties of the immunology laboratory scientist and the oncology ward clinician. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, faculty, and practitioners in the areas of oncology and chemotherapy. P. J. Broten; University of Michigan

Lowy, an immunologist turned historian of science, observed clinical trials of the cancer therapy Interleukin-2 and here reports what she saw. She begins with an introduction to the history of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which occupies the first third of the book. A long description of laboratory activities follows, with an emphasis on the politics, and a short analysis of her observations concludes the book. Unfortunately, Lowy's lack of clinical observation prevents her from achieving her stated goal: to follow the trials from laboratory bench to bedside. Her report does little to enlighten the reader about the research process other than to say that politics and personalities play significant roles. Of little interest to the general public; only for comprehensive history of science collections.‘Eric D. Albright, Galter Health Sciences Lib., Northwestern Univ., Chicago (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.