Letter from the Editor

Dear Colleague:
I am pleased to offer you this third edition of Oncology Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP), a concise
overview of the current understanding of cancer and its diagnosis and treatment. This edition of Oncology MKSAP was
developed by ASCO in collaboration with the American College of Physicians (ACP-ASIM), who produced the first two
editions. The third edition responds to the need for an update because of the many advances in the rapidly growing field
of molecular biology of cancer and targeted therapies, new staging and classifications systems for several malignant
diseases, and major progress in therapeutic strategies and supportive care practices.
This self-education resource is designed for both oncology fellows and practicing oncologists and is an important tool
for preparing for American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) subspecialty certification or recertification. It is also a
means for obtaining continuing medical education (CME) credit or for simply remaining current in the field. I encourage
you to review How To Use Oncology MKSAP on page iv to optimize your use of Oncology MKSAP and to meet your specific needs.
The 19 chapters in this publication were developed by leading experts in the fields of biologic therapy, geriatric cancer,
molecular biology, prevention and epidemiology, supportive care, solid tumors, and hematologic malignancies. Each chapter provides an overview of the current state of oncology in that specific area. Following each chapter is a set of multiple
choice questions, and explanations are provided to place the correct answer in the context of the best available evidence.
The authors have also listed suggested reading after the explanatory answers for further information on the concepts discussed. In addition, you will find three practice tests with 60 questions each, designed to simulate a Board examination
module. All of these same features are included on the CD-ROM.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the authors for their efforts to make this publication a reality. The highest cadre of oncologists gathered to develop the content, and their time and expertise is readily apparent throughout these
pages. A special thanks goes to Bernard Mason, MD, Associate Editor, for his review of all the chapter content, and to
Chuck Rossi, Managing Editor of Self-Assessment Programs at ACP, for his consultation and expertise throughout the
development process. Our success was also facilitated by the many academic and community oncologists, training program
directors, and fellows who reviewed drafts of the various chapters and the multiple choice questions. I am grateful for their
time in helping us to focus on important and clinically relevant information.
I trust that the reader will find the third edition of Oncology MKSAP useful, and I welcome comments or recommendations, which may be sent to MKSAP@asco.org. I also encourage you to complete the evaluation, found at the end of
the book. Your feedback is important, as it helps ASCO in developing future editions.
Sincerely,

Bruce D. Cheson, MD
Editor, Oncology MKSAP, 3rd Edition

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