This is a multi-author text that forms part of the MD Anderson Cancer Care Series. The stated aim of the book is to facilitate communication between health-care providers who are involved in the care of bone sarcoma patients. The editors state in their preface that “there is a surprisingly limited knowledge by some members of the team as to what other members do” (a statement that is not corroborated). This is not my experience of sarcoma multi-disciplinary teams.

The book is very much “this is how MD Anderson does things”—in parts it almost seems as if it is advertising. The “unique” MD Anderson multi-disciplinary clinics are widespread in both Europe and Australasia, even if they are not in North America.

Whilst all facets of care of the bone sarcoma patient are covered, the book is really only a brief overview and not a detailed text. Key practice points and suggested reading feature at the end of each chapter and these are useful.

Surgical reconstruction is not covered in any depth, and endoprosthetic replacement is covered particularly briefly. In the chapter on peri-operative management, pre- and post-operative management is covered in some detail, but intra-operative management is reduced to blood loss, epidural and antibiotics. An opportunity to highlight the close interaction between surgeon and anaesthesiologist is lost here.

The chapter on rehabilitation is detailed and is probably the best chapter in the book.

I am unsure as to who this book will appeal to. The editors state “it is not meant for any one branch of medicine but rather for all who have an interest in how the entire enterprise operates.” Regrettably, I feel it falls short of this. The book is not detailed enough for the specialist. It may be useful to cross-specialty residents considering a career in sarcoma care. Similarly, specialist nurses or physiotherapists may find it a useful reference book. It is unlikely to appeal to the General Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Communication is key in the care of sarcoma patients. Anything that serves to improve this should be applauded, but I am not sure this book achieves its stated aim.