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Tony Theobald. Sampson's Textbook of Radiopharmacy, 4th ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2011. 768 pages, $129.99 (hardcover), ISBN 978-0-85369-789-3

The fourth edition of Sampson's Textbook of Radiopharmacy is the first revision in the past 11 years of this well-established textbook on radiopharmacy. The vast majority of the 40 contributing authors are based in the United Kingdom, with a handful of additional contributors from other parts of Europe or the Americas. The textbook contains 37 chapters arranged into 6 topic sections. 
 
Following an introductory chapter discussing what is radiopharmacy, subsequent chapters are arranged into sections discussing the physics applied to radiopharmacy, radiopharmaceutical chemistry, radiopharmacokinetics, radiopharmaceutics, radiopharmacy practice, and techniques in research and development. Additional material is included in an extensive list of abbreviations, a brief appendix on radioactive decay laws and practical applications, an extensive glossary of radiopharmacy terms, and a well-detailed index. 
 
The first section discussing the physics applied to radiopharmacy contains chapters on nuclear structure, radiation protection, detection of radiation, imaging instruments, and production of radionuclides. The chapters are concise, and many of the figures and tables are simple, clear, and effective for demonstrating important concepts. Sections within the chapter on radiation protection focus on UK legislation. Chapters on detection and imaging provide an excellent overview of the typical equipment found in a radiopharmacy or nuclear medicine imaging facility. The production of nuclides chapter describes basic concepts associated with cyclotron and nuclear reactor production of medical isotopes. 
 
The section on radiopharmaceutical chemistry consists of 8 chapters, some of which are dedicated to single isotopes while others discuss groups of related isotopes. These chapters are detailed and would be of interest to those pursuing advanced studies or research. Unfortunately, the content of these chapters are well above the knowledge base for many involved in clinical practice or those exploring independent learning about the niche practice of radiopharmacy. 
 
There are 3 chapters included in the section discussing pharmacokinetics and 8 chapters in the section for radiopharmaceutics. Many chapters include numerous figures and tables. Selected chapters focus on current diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The chapter associated with principles of radionuclide generators is very informative. Appendices providing recommended standard operating procedures are helpful inclusions in the chapters discussing quality control methods and radiolabeling of blood cells. 
 
The radiopharmacy practice section consists of 8 chapter providing information on the design and operation of radiopharmacy facilities, regulation of radiopharmacy practice in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, packaging and transport of radiopharmaceuticals, patient safety when dispensing radiopharmaceuticals, and interactions between patient medications and radiopharmaceuticals, as well as concurrent drug administration for the enhancement of nuclear medicine studies. Many of these chapters deal primarily with the site-specific management of radiopharmaceuticals as hazardous materials while the latter chapters in this section deal with clinical patient care issues. One glaring omission of pharmacological agents for the enhancement of nuclear medicine studies is the absence of regadenoson (Lexiscan) as an alternative to exercise, adenosine, or dipyridamole for myocardial perfusion imaging. 
 
The final section consists of 4 chapters on techniques in research and development methods including molecular biology techniques, chemical characterization methods, and cell culture models, as well as the use of animal models in preclinical molecular imaging studies. These topics will be of interest for the advanced practitioner to explore preclinical aspects associated with future radiopharmaceutical development. 
 
Sampson's Textbook of Radiopharmacy is a welcome addition to reference libraries for clinical practice sites, academic institutions, research centers, and advanced practitioner personal libraries. Much of the content is beyond the introductory level and would likely be overwhelming to novices and students wishing to learn more about radiopharmacy. Other recently revised or newly released competing textbooks are tailored to introductory level elective coursework offered during undergraduate programs or postgraduate authorized user certifications.