by Lorne J. Brandes ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2016
A personal, lively, and scientifically rigorous account of cancer-treatment research.
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Brandes offers an absorbing, exhaustive true story about the obstacles researchers faced while ushering a new cancer drug through development and testing.
Although he has authored numerous scientific papers, this is the first book from the author, a retired University of Manitoba oncologist. In the 1980s, his lab at the university’s Institute of Cell Biology did research involving the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, specifically looking for a substance that would bind to “antiestrogen binding sites” within cells. To that end, he says, they synthesized an antihistamine called DPPE (also known as tesmilifene), which appeared to curb unwanted uterine growth, prevent tumor formation, and increase chemotherapy drugs’ effectiveness up to tenfold. A grant materialized from the National Cancer Institute of Canada, and Bristol-Myers expressed interest. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however. As years passed, funding sources fell through, papers were rejected, and trials produced mixed results. In 1997, the researchers’ MA.19 phase-three DPPE study finally launched but was axed early when it produced no noticeable improvements. Brandes felt this action was premature; indeed, he says that follow-up results indicated that DPPE produced 50 percent longer survival in breast-cancer patients. Meanwhile, Toronto’s YM Biosciences resurrected DPPE for studies on prostate cancer and in 2004 initiated a new breast-cancer trial. That one, too, showed no initial benefits and so was canceled in 2007. This is not a typical story of triumph against all odds; instead, it’s a realistic picture of how science works: small steps forward despite regular setbacks. Brandes makes a gripping, journalistic storyline out of what could have been a dry compilation of facts. Re-created dialogue and photographs enliven this labor of love, and short, digestible chapters also help. The author takes time to describe everyone who crossed his path, evincing real interest in these people’s values and idiosyncrasies; a number of the book’s players died along the way, so this book serves as a worthy elegy. At times, the level of detail, which requires a six-page who’s who list and hundreds of footnotes, can be overwhelming for laymen. However, anyone can appreciate its inside look at the bureaucracy, heartache, and political machinations involved in scientific investigation.
A personal, lively, and scientifically rigorous account of cancer-treatment research.Pub Date: March 18, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4602-8507-7
Page Count: 606
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: May 27, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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