November 19, 1956
Dear Dr. Wangensteen:
In the matter of the Reappraisal Section, Al has found the acquisition of detailed statistics from Smithwich and from Edwards and Herrington to be much like pulling teeth, but Al is pursuing them vigorously and I trust we shall have some figures within the next few days.
In reviewing the possible material that might appear in the Reappraisal Section, Al and I are in agreement that we would very much like to have two contributions from you personally, if you could see your way clear to providing them.
The first of the contributions that Al and I would like to ask if you would make has to do with your present outlook on the matter of the super-radical mastectomy for carcinoma of the breast. It is obviously the case that the follow-up period on a considerable number of cases is not yet sufficient to permit the drawing of any long-term conclusions. Nevertheless, the lessons learned with regard to the position of metastases within the mediastinum and perhaps in the cervical region as well would be a most valuable contribution.
The second item concerning which we would like to have more information and a contribution from you has to do with the management by surgical means of ulcers of the stomach and duodenum. I appreciate that you have endeavored to acquire sufficient material for good statistical evaluation upon several methods of management of peptic ulceration and appreciate that you have provided the literature several publications upon this subject. Nevertheless, a concrete statement from you in adequate detail for the Reappraisal Section would serve to provide orientation to many of us with regard to the avenues of reasoning which your investigations have pursued and with regard to your present stand in the management of this disease.
I know of no one in a position to provide contributions which would give the Reappraisal Section a better and stronger start than you and I sincerely hope that you can see your way clear to giving Al and me the contributions suggested above.
With best regards, I remain
Very sincerely yours,
Clarence Dennis, M.D.
Associate Editor