Book Review: Tata Memorial Centre Textbook of Oncology

The Tata Memorial Centre Textbook of Oncology, published in 2024 by Springer, is a significant contribution to oncology literature, particularly for practitioners in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Compiled by leading faculty from Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, the textbook offers a thorough yet practical approach to modern cancer care, anchored in clinical experience, academic excellence, and public health relevance.

The book is structured into five major sections: Basic Principles, Public Health, Hematological Malignancies, Solid Tumours, and Special Topics. Each chapter is well-organized, succinct, and enriched with visuals like tables and flowcharts to support learning. This structure makes the book easy to navigate and useful for day-to-day reference, as well as for deeper study.

The Basic Principles section introduces key concepts in oncology, including cancer biology, pharmacology, tumor imaging, and radiation physics. These chapters bridge fundamental science with practical implications, making them particularly useful for residents and early-career oncologists.

The Solid Tumours section is comprehensive and reflects TMC's clinical expertise in managing high-burden cancers like head and neck, breast, cervix, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Each tumor type is covered in a format that includes epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up—providing a holistic view tailored to Indian and LMIC contexts.

Importantly, the book does not isolate treatment modalities. Instead, it presents surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy as integrated components of care, aligning with the multidisciplinary nature of modern oncology. Supportive care and survivorship issues are also addressed, adding to the book's clinical completeness.

One of the textbook's major strengths is its dedicated focus on pediatric oncology—a field that often receives limited attention in general oncology texts. The chapters covering pediatric solid tumors and hematologic malignancies are written with clarity and depth. They provide practical insights into diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and treatment protocols adapted to regional contexts. Given the rising burden of childhood cancers in India and other LMICs, this section is a particularly valuable resource for general oncologists, pediatricians, and training fellows alike.

Another standout feature is the section on public health and oncology systems. It addresses cancer registration, screening programs, epidemiology, and the organizational structure of cancer services in India. This systems-based lens is invaluable for clinicians working in public health institutions and for policymakers involved in designing national and regional cancer control programs.

The textbook's real-world applicability is one of its strongest attributes. It is explicitly written with consideration for varying levels of resource availability. Whether it is tailoring treatment protocols to avoid unnecessary financial burden or prioritizing investigations when diagnostics are limited, the book offers thoughtful, practice-oriented recommendations.

Additional chapters focus on areas often overlooked in oncology textbooks—such as palliative care, transfusion support, intensive care unit oncology, and vascular access. These topics are vital in high-volume centers and tertiary hospitals, where managing complications and providing end-of-life care are daily realities.

TMC's long-standing role in oncology education and national cancer care strategy is evident in the editorial vision. The editors—Dr. Badwe, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Shrikhande, and Dr. Laskar—bring decades of leadership in academic and clinical oncology. Their collective experience ensures the book remains balanced, accurate, and grounded in Indian realities.

Beyond India, the textbook will also benefit practitioners across South Asia, Africa, and other regions with similar health care settings. Even in high-income countries, the book's pragmatic and cost-conscious approach may offer valuable insights for global health practitioners and program developers.

Overall, the Tata Memorial Centre Textbook of Oncology achieves its goal of being both a reference and a guide. It supports evidence-based decision-making while respecting the nuances of local practice. It is an essential resource for oncology trainees, clinicians, academic institutions, and public health planners who seek to improve cancer outcomes in diverse environments.

Publication History

Article published online:
08 October 2025