Abstract
This work is a compilation of 13 reviews, each 11–17 pages in length and referenced independently. There are 29 illustrations and 21 tables. The illustrations are useful, but the bulk of the information is presented in the text. The three color figures seem somewhat gratuitous. Both author and subject indices are provided.
The collection of papers covers general aspects of the use of rodent models for the evaluation of complex traits and several specific models of cancer susceptibility. The scope is limited to the mouse and rat, but within that realm it provides extensive information on inbred, outbred, transgenic, and knockout backgrounds for study. Although targeted for those involved in cancer susceptibility research, the discussions of model advantages and disadvantages may be useful for others using genetically modified animals in their research. Each chapter provides some historic background information about the genesis of these models, which helps the reader develop a perspective for their use. One important strength of this publication is the relative lack of reviews of this material. The information presented is relatively current with the acknowledgment that the field is rapidly evolving.
In the preface, the volume editors state, “This book will attempt to introduce some of the most outstanding advances made in determining cancer predisposition which employ the comparative approach.” In this effort they succeed, and in doing so they have provided a readable resource summarizing the status of these models in 1999. This volume will be most useful as a library reference and possibly as a core reference for transgenic or laboratory animal facilities. For an individual researcher, it is relatively expensive but could come in handy at grant-writing time.