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Book Review Modern Therapeutics in Rheumatic Diseases George C. Tsokos, Editor. Totowa, New Jersey: Human Press, 2002, hardcover price $145.00 US. I have just finished my training in rheumatology at the University of Toronto and am preparing for the Royal College Certification examinations. Over the years, rheumatology has become a specialty with quite a breadth of knowledge. To study efficiently I needed a source that succinctly outlined the pathogenesis of common rheumatic disease, as well as mechanisms of therapy and the evidence of their utility. Modern Therapeutics in Rheumatic Diseases brilliantly encompasses these aspects. The book is divided into chapters by disease experts in their field. The sections generally begin with pathogenesis of the condition and outline potential areas of intervention. Afterwards the role of specific therapeutics is concisely outlined, along with direct reference to the pertinent studies. With the dramatic therapeutic advances in rheumatoid arthritis, the first 11 chapters are dedicated to this condition and include a section on potential experimental therapeutics. I especially enjoyed chapters 12-17, which dealt with osteoarthritis. In these chapters, both existing and experimental interventions such as anti-nitric oxide agents, anti-apoptotic therapy, and gene therapy for osteoarthritis are thoroughly reviewed. This book could not have been published at a better time from the rheumatology trainee's point of view. It is written in a coherent and concise manner, which serves as an excellent source for all aspects of therapeutics in the rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, the frequent use of diagrams and graphs allowed emphasis of key points. This publication links the basic science of rheumatic diseases to a comprehensive text of therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy. Allan D. Kagal, MD, FRCPC, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |