Abstract
This book consists of 16 chapters authored primarily by clinical oncology, radiology, or pathology faculty members at U. S. and European medical schools. The first 3 chapters provide a reasonably comprehensive overview of the abnormal morphology and defective circulatory function of tumor vasculature, various regulators of angiogenesis in solid tumors and also the role of angiogenesis in tumor metastasis. As such, the first 62 pages of this book would provide a reasonable background in angiogenesis for veterinary pathology trainees preparing to sit a certifying examination or for practicing veterinary pathologists wishing to stay current in this area of General Pathology. However, subsequent chapters (and the bulk of the book) focus on specific vascular-disrupting agents that have been studied in vitro, in preclinical animal models, and in the clinic. Despite its title, vascular-targeting agents, such as monoclonal antibodies or small molecule angiogenesis inhibitors, are not covered in this book. The figures consist of line drawings, bar graphs, and chemical structures. Except for an 8 page color insert, the figures are primarily black and white. Macroscopic and microscopic photomicrographs are small, with inadequate resolution. The index is reasonably comprehensive, but most of the references in the book consist of papers published prior to 2004. Therefore, this book would be of most interest to scientists new to the field of vascular-disrupting agents who are seeking to acquire historical background in this field or are interested in the details on prior studies conducted with a specific experimental agent.