Sun T:

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Hematologic Neoplasms. A Color Atlas and Text, 2nd ed, 296 pp, Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002 ($169.00).

This is the second completely revised and updated edition of Dr. Sun’s book of flow cytometry (FCM) applied to the diagnostic study of lymphomas and leukemias. It consists of two distinct parts: an introductory part comprising chapters on the technical aspects of FCM and other diagnostic techniques used in the work-up of hematopathologic diseases, as well the new classifications; and the second part, titled Clinical Application, consisting of 38 case studies. The book shows that flow cytometry has become an invaluable part of the laboratory work-up of lymph node and bone marrow biopsies. At the same time the book clearly shows that FCM is not ‘an independent diagnostic tool,‘ repeatedly emphasizing that FMC data should be interpreted only in the context of other laboratory and clinical data.

The case-study approach to teaching FMC is a very efficient way of demonstrating the clinical value of this technique. The cases are well chosen and instructive and almost all illustrate some valuable diagnostic points. The data for each case include flow histograms and countergrams, corresponding color figures of hematologic or pathologic findings, and, whenever indicated, immunohistochemical, molecular, or cytogenetic findings. Readers looking for quick review will appreciate the summary tables of salient features for each entity under discussion. References for each case are up to date.

The book will be used mostly by fellows and residents in pathology and hematology, but I would also recommend it to anybody else trying to learn FMC hematopathology. The book could be used as a reference by diagnostic hematopathologists as well.