Read an exclusive interview with Dr. Jerry Battista here. A critical element of radiation treatment planning for cancer is the accurate prediction and delivery of a tailored radiation dose distribution inside the patient. Megavoltage x-ray beams are aimed at the tumour, while collateral damage to nearby healthy tissue and organs is minimized. The key to optimal treatment therefore lies in adopting a trustworthy three-dimensional (3D) dose computation algorithm, which simulates the passage of both primary and secondary radiation throughout the exposed tissue. Edited by an award-winning university educator and pioneer in the field of voxel-based radiation dose computation, this book explores the physics and mathematics that underlie algorithms encountered in contemporary radiation oncology. It is an invaluable reference for clinical physicists who commission, develop, or test treatment planning software. This book also covers a core topic in the syllabus for educating graduate students and residents entering the field of clinical physics. This book starts with a historical perspective gradually building up to the three most important algorithms used for today's clinical applications. These algorithms can solve the same general radiation transport problem from three vantages: firstly, applying convolution-superposition principles (i.e. Green's method); secondly, the stochastic simulation of radiation particle interactions with tissue atoms (i.e. the Monte Carlo method); and thirdly, the deterministic solution of the fundamental equations for radiation fields of x-rays and their secondary particles (i.e. the Boltzmann method). It contains clear, original illustrations of key concepts and quantities thoughout, supplemented by metaphors and analogies to facilitate comprehension and retention of knowledge. Features: Edited by an authority in the field, enhanced with chapter contributions from physicists with clinical experience in the fields of computational dosimetry and dose optimization Contains examples of test phantom results and clinical cases, illustrating pitfalls to avoid in clinical applications to radiation oncology Introduces four-dimensional (4D) dose computation, on-line dose reconstruction, and dose accumulation that accounts for tissue displacements and motion throughout a course of radiation therapy

This book provides a clear approach to establishing a user involvement system in a healthcare organisation and its potential impact on cancer services. Using a tool kit style approach drawing on examples of successful past projects and case studies to provide evidence of good practice it describes how to plan and implement different stages of user involvement enabling organisations to draw on user experience and expertise to evaluate develop and improve the quality of service that they provide. Members of regional cancer networks multidisciplinary cancer care teams and all those involved in the NHS cancer services will find this toolkit interesting reading.

This book is an introduction to cancer treatment, the basics of radio- and chemotherapy, drug actions, the eradication of cancer cells, and the origins and persistence of pharmacological and toxicological effects of drugs. It further provides ideas for research based on knowledge of cancer metastasis, invasive and molecular pathways, and diagnosis and treatment. Many of the adaptive features of cancer biology, clinical features, pathology and treatment are reviewed. In addition to introducing the major themes and theories, the book also advances the current discussion by moving beyond explanations for clinical implementation. Key Selling Features: Reviews basic cancer treatments Summarizes chemotherapies Discusses radiotherapies Examines pharmacological and toxicological approaches to treatment Introduces oncological drug development

In this valuable new book, a consultant oncologist and a family practitioner have brought together their different and complementary experience of dealing with cancer to provide primary care physicians with all the information they need to meet the demands that will be placed upon them. With input from respected specialists in oncology; surgery and palliative care, it describes each of the major types of cancer in adults and children, with each chapter following an identical format. For each type of cancer, risk factors, epidemiology and demographic data are presented, with comment on diagnostic and screening issues; options for management are then discussed, and choices of therapy reviewed together with their prognostic implications. The concise text is supported by numerous tables, charts and diagrams, with key points summarised in highlighted panels. Each section concludes with up-to-date information on current research and on-going trials, and contact details of specific support groups for patients and their families. Additional chapters cover in more detail major topics such as pain management, terminal illness and provision of palliative care, and dealing with bereavement. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on understanding the needs of the patient, and the importance of the doctor being able to communicate effectively, and objectively, the implications of the sometimes difficult choices that have to be made. This is a highly readable book packed with useful information and it should find a place in every doctor's office. Input from respected specialists in oncology, surgery and palliative care.

Survival rates in cases of uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma - the leading intraocular malignancies in adults and children - may be high, but means of earlier diagnosis and improved treatment options are needed to preserve vision and prevent metastasis. This reference deals principally with the molecular biology and genetic factors which trigger and promote the two most common ocular tumours.

Use the GPU Successfully in Your Radiotherapy Practice With its high processing power, cost-effectiveness, and easy deployment, access, and maintenance, the graphics processing unit (GPU) has increasingly been used to tackle problems in the medical physics field, ranging from computed tomography reconstruction to Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation. Graphics Processing Unit-Based High Performance Computing in Radiation Therapy collects state-of-the-art research on GPU computing and its applications to medical physics problems in radiation therapy. Tackle Problems in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy The book first offers an introduction to the GPU technology and its current applications in radiotherapy. Most of the remaining chapters discuss a specific application of a GPU in a key radiotherapy problem. These chapters summarize advances and present technical details and insightful discussions on the use of GPU in addressing the problems. The book also examines two real systems developed with GPU as a core component to accomplish important clinical tasks in modern radiotherapy. Translate Research Developments to Clinical Practice Written by a team of international experts in radiation oncology, biomedical imaging, computing, and physics, this book gets clinical and research physicists, graduate students, and other scientists up to date on the latest in GPU computing for radiotherapy. It encourages you to bring this novel technology to routine clinical radiotherapy practice.

When Kristian Anderson received the diagnosis that every devoted husband and father fears, he refused to resign himself silently to fate. He began a brave and candid blog as he underwent treatment for cancer: sharing the joy of each small victory, the devastation in every setback, and the agonising realisation that he wouldn't always be able to protect and comfort his little boys when they were lonely or afraid, or grow old with his wife and soulmate. His posts full of hope, faith, and breathtaking honesty captured Australian hearts, then swept across the Pacific, gathering followers. A poignant video tribute for his wife Rachel became an internet phenomenon, attracting messages from well-wishers across the globe. After his death, their love inspired Rachel to bring together Kristian's blog entries combined with her own intimate reflections. Days Like These is a heartbreaking account of her husband's final battle, his strength and courage, but it is also a story about coming back from grief, and learning how to live again.

Cancer Therapy with Radiolabeled Antibodies explores the most current experimental and clinical advances in the newly emerging field of cancer radioimmunotherapy (RAIT). Providing a multidisciplinary and international context, some of the world's leading experts examine the problems and prospects of RAIT from radiation, immunological, chemical, physical, physiological, and clinical perspectives with both overviews and original research. Discussions cover the up-to-date clinical results in the RAIT of ovarian, breast, colorectal, and brain cancers, as well as the current status of RAIT in the management of B cell lymphomas. Radiobiology, dosimetry, radiochemistry, targeting biology in experimental models, clinical experiences in hematopoietic and solid tumors, and new approaches to improve cancer radioimmunotherapy are also discussed. In addition, new dosimetry concepts, new labeling methods, new concepts of antibody pharmacokinetics, and new methods to enhance selective cancer radioimmunotherapy are included.

This book provides researchers and practitioners with a unique collection of current research on the role of vitamins and micronutrients in cancer prevention and treatment. New theories are discussed, including a hypothesis that dietary factors may protect against genetically predisposed cancers. Mechanisms by which different vitamins and minerals appear to inhibit carcinogenesis or cell transformation are described, including vitamins A, C, E, and selenium protection against oxidative stress by induction of enzymes as catalase and dismutase or inteference with free radical mechanisms; organosulfur compound inhibition of P450 activation enzymes or enhancement of detoxification enzymes; metal ion effects in the modulation of gene expression by site-specific binding of Zn-finger loop domains; B-carotene metabolite up-regulation of gap junctional communication between cells; and vitamin D3 elimination of amplified oncogenes or drug resistant genes. The book also reviews literature implicating a possible relationship between potassium and the control of cancer. Other information presented includes a discussion of contemporary technologies and data associating lipotrope deficiencies with alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, nucleic acid methylation, purine and pyrimidine synthesis, signal transduction, and chromosome anomalies.

This volume reviews the experimental data on drug-radiation interactions. Special emphasis is placed on clinically-useful antitumor drugs. Particular reference is made to appropriate timing, concentration and sequencing of drug-radiation combinations. It includes discussions on the relative merits of experimental data derived from animal versus human tumors. This book also presents a section on the potential for new model systems or alternative test procedures for evaluating therapeutic benefits and cytotoxicities. Results of randomized clinical studies are reviewed with emphasis on recent studies involving protocols specifically designed to test the benefits from optimal integration of chemotherapy with radiotherapy. This book is intended for laboratory researchers in the field and clinicians interested in using the combined modality approach. It is also a useful resource for radiologists, oncologists, and all those interested in cancer research.

Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Radiation dosimetry has made great progress in the last decade, mainly because radiation therapy is much more widely used. Since the first edition, many new developments have been made in the basic methods for dosimetry, i.e. ionization chambers, TLD, chemical dosimeters, and photographic films. Radiation Dosimetry: Instrumentation and Methods, Second Edition brings to the reader these latest developments. Written at a high level for medical physicists, engineers, and advanced dosimetrists, it concentrates only on evolvement during the last decade, relying on the first edition to provide the basics.

Tumors and Cancers: Skin - Soft Tissue - Bone - Urogenitals provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the second of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the head/neck, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular organ/type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the second of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the head/neck, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular organ/type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Recent advances in immunology and biology have opened new horizons in cancer therapy, included in the expanding array of cancer treatment options, which are immunotherapies, or cancer vaccines, for both solid and blood borne cancers. Cancer Vaccines: From Research to Clinical Practice is the first text in the field to bring immunotherapy treatments from the laboratory trial to the bedside for the practicing oncologist. Cancer Vaccines: From Research to Clinical Practice: Analyzes the most promising classes of investigational immunotherapies, integrating their scientific rationale and clinical potential Discusses "theranostics" as pertaining to immunotherapy, i.e., using molecular diagnostics to identify patients that would most likely benefit from a therapy Presents the new paradigm of biomarker guided R&D and clinical development in immunotherapy of cancer Reviews bottlenecks in translational process of immunotherapies and offers strategies to resolve them

The nanosciences are a rapidly expanding field of research with a wide applicability to all areas of health. They encompass a variety of technologies ranging from particles to networks and nanostructures. This book focuses on the application of nanomedicine and nanotechnology to cancer. It covers an introduction to nanocarriers, nanorods, nanoprobes nanoplatforms, nanorings, nanotubes nanowires, nano-sensor arrays and a variety of methodological techniques. This is done within the framework of numerous cancer types. Contributors are all leading experts and are carrying out ground breaking work. The book is essential reading for oncologists, research scientists, doctors, health care professionals, pathologists, biologists, biochemists, chemists and physicists as well as those interested in disease and nanosciences or cancer in general.

Tumors and Cancers: Skin - Soft Tissue - Bone - Urogenitals provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Molecular Genetics of Cancer, Second Edition provides an authoritative and up to date review of the key genes known to be critical in the development or progression of cancer. Throughout the book, scientific advances and their clinical relevance are covered in detail, particularly in the light of findings concerning the inheritance of genes predisposing to tumorigenesis. The book is therefore a valuable source of reference for clinicians and genetic counsellors as well as researchers.

This book represents the most current, comprehensive, and authoritative study of integrins on the market today. It provides an overview of the diverse biological functions of integrins, including: The structure and functions of integrin cytoplasmic domains, the role of b2 integrins in leukocyte adhesion, the role of platelet membrane fibrinogen receptor glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (aIIbb3) in thrombosis and hemostasis, the functions of aV integrin family, the role of integrins in signal transduction, the role of integrins in carcinoma cells, the role of integrins in internalization of microbial pathogens through the binding of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis invasin protein, the role of integrins in the skin, the integrin function in early vertebrate development using amphibian embryos.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by an abnormal growth of cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the first of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Clinical conformal radiotherapy is the holy grail of radiation treatment and is now becoming a reality through the combined efforts of physical scientists and engineers, who have improved the physical basis of radiotherapy, and the interest and concern of imaginative radiotherapists and radiographers. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy describes in detail the physics germane to the development of a particular form of clinical conformal radiotherapy called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT has become a topic of tremendous importance in recent years and is now being seriously investigated for its potential to improve the outcome of radiation therapy. The book collates the state-of-the-art literature together with the author's personal research experience and that of colleagues in the field to produce a text suitable for new research workers, Ph.D. students, and practicing radiation physicists that require a thorough introduction to IMRT. Fully illustrated, indexed, and referenced, the book has been prepared in a form suitable for supporting a teaching course.

The proposed book aims to explain the basic principles, concepts and regulations behind radiation protection and their application in the field of radiation oncology practice. This book will be useful to all those students, teachers and practicing professionals involved in the field of radiation oncology.