This book, written by leading international experts, describes alternate fractionation strategies in which technology-driven precise targeting and dosing allow for improved conformance and decreased volumes, with concordant lessening of toxicity, reduction in treatment time, and lower overall health care expense. The aim is to provide the advanced clinician with an up-to-date evidence-based reference that will assist in the delivery of enhanced patient care in daily practice. Traditional multi-week fractionation schedules were established at a time when the inclusion of relatively large amounts of normal tissue was unavoidable owing to the lack of accurate target localization during treatment. Such schedules are time and resource consuming, difficult for patients, and expensive. Nevertheless, acceptance of alternate fractionation strategies has been slow in some countries. The paradigm is, however, changing as evidence accumulates to demonstrate improved local control, equivalence of tolerance, or both. In documenting these alternate strategies, this book will be of value for radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and oncologists worldwide.

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.

Linear Accelerators for Radiation Therapy, Second Edition focuses on the fundamentals of accelerator systems, explaining the underlying physics and the different features of these systems. This edition includes expanded sections on the treatment head, on x-ray production via multileaf and dynamic collimation for the production of wedged and other intensity modulated beams, on electron scattering systems, and on dosimetry. With high-quality illustrations and practical examples throughout, it contains a detailed description of electron beam optics and linear accelerator components. The final chapter explains how to use other equipment, such as scanners and simulators, in conjunction with linear accelerators for optimum treatment of cancers.

This book gives a comprehensive overview on the use of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in the treatment of lung cancer, covering step-by-step guidelines for clinical implementations, fundamental principles and key technical advances. It covers benefits and limitations of techniques as well as quality and safety issues related to IGRT practice. Addresses imaging simulation, treatment planning, verification, and delivery Discusses important quality assurance issues Describes current methods using specialized machines and technologies Jing Cai, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Duke University Medical Center. Joe Y. Chang, MD, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Fang-Fang Yin, PhD, is Chief of the Division of Radiation Physics, Professor of Radiation Oncology, and Director of the Medical Physics program at Duke University.

The Topics Every Medical Physicist Should Know Tutorials in Radiotherapy Physics: Advanced Topics with Problems and Solutions covers selected advanced topics that are not thoroughly discussed in any of the standard medical physics texts. The book brings together material from a large variety of sources, avoiding the need for you to search through and digest the vast research literature. The topics are mathematically developed from first principles using consistent notation. Clear Derivations and In-Depth Explanations The book offers insight into the physics of electron acceleration in linear accelerators and presents an introduction to the study of proton therapy. It then describes the predominant method of clinical photon dose computation: convolution and superposition dose calculation algorithms. It also discusses the Boltzmann transport equation, a potentially fast and accurate method of dose calculation that is an alternative to the Monte Carlo method. This discussion considers Fermi Eyges theory, which is widely used for electron dose calculations. The book concludes with a step-by-step mathematical development of tumor control and normal tissue complication probability models. Each chapter includes problems with solutions given in the back of the book. Prepares You to Explore Cutting-Edge Research This guide provides you with the foundation to read review articles on the topics. It can be used for self-study, in graduate medical physics and physics residency programs, or in vendor training for linacs and treatment planning systems.

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.

The Topics Every Medical Physicist Should Know Tutorials in Radiotherapy Physics: Advanced Topics with Problems and Solutions covers selected advanced topics that are not thoroughly discussed in any of the standard medical physics texts. The book brings together material from a large variety of sources, avoiding the need for you to search through and digest the vast research literature. The topics are mathematically developed from first principles using consistent notation. Clear Derivations and In-Depth Explanations The book offers insight into the physics of electron acceleration in linear accelerators and presents an introduction to the study of proton therapy. It then describes the predominant method of clinical photon dose computation: convolution and superposition dose calculation algorithms. It also discusses the Boltzmann transport equation, a potentially fast and accurate method of dose calculation that is an alternative to the Monte Carlo method. This discussion considers Fermi-Eyges theory, which is widely used for electron dose calculations. The book concludes with a step-by-step mathematical development of tumor control and normal tissue complication probability models. Each chapter includes problems with solutions given in the back of the book. Prepares You to Explore Cutting-Edge Research This guide provides you with the foundation to read review articles on the topics. It can be used for self-study, in graduate medical physics and physics residency programs, or in vendor training for linacs and treatment planning systems.

The application of radiation to medical problems plays an ever-increasing role in diagnosis and treatment of disease. It is essential that medical physicists have the knowledge, understanding and practical skills to implement radiation protection as new techniques are developed. Practical Radiation Protection in Healthcare provides a practical guide for medical physicists and others involved with radiation protection in the healthcare environment. The guidance is based on principles set out in current recommendations of the International Commission for Radiological Protection and methods developed by a variety of professional bodies. Written by practitioners experienced in the field this practical reference manual covers both established techniques and new areas of application. This new edition has be fully revised and updated to cover new requirements linked to the increased knowledge of radiation effects, and the development of new technology. Each specialist area is covered in a separate chapter to allow easy reference with individual chapters being assigned to different types of non-ionising radiations. Tabulated data is included to allow the reader to carry out calculations for situations encountered frequently without reference to further texts.

Explore important research approaches and concepts within diagnostic radiography Provide contemporary evidence-based practice regarding mixed method approaches Provide a clear and 'how to guide' for understanding key research principles in a wide range of radiographic settings Evaluate the impact of research on patients and the radiographer-patient relationship

Each year, almost twenty million people worldwide receive the grim diagnosis of cancer, yet few are prepared for the difficult emotional journey ahead. Shortly after Dr. Charles Hayter graduated as a cancer specialist, his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As with many doctors, he found that his medical training did not prepare him for the anguish and turmoil he witnessed in himself, his patients, and their loved ones - anguish often worsened by the stigma and shame surrounding cancer and radiation. In Cancer Confidential, Dr. Hayter shares behind-the-scenes stories of people dealing with cancer and death - often through avoidance, denial, and conflict, but also as shining examples of quiet courage, resilience, and humour. The backdrop for the stories is the specialty of radiation oncology. One in three cancer patients will receive radiation therapy, yet it remains a mysterious and often maligned area of medicine. Told in a vivid, dramatic style, Cancer Confidential sheds light on this poorly understood field and reveals intimate stories of individuals and their families in difficult circumstances. It will lend insight, compassion, and support to anyone facing the diagnosis of cancer.

Covers the most recent advances in gynecologic image-based radiation therapy Includes the changed practice of management of gynecologic brachytherapy Written by an international panel of experts Recent advances in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies led to a new worldwide consensus to introduce image guidance to gynecologic radiation therapy, particularly to brachytherapy. The book summarizes the changed practice of management: treatment planning for cervical cancer, not modified for over 60 years, has been shifted to an image-based approach, endometrial cancer management with an increase in the use of chemotherapy and vaginal brachytherapy, and vaginal cancer therapy including image guidance and high-dose delivery with IMRT. Content Level Professional/practitioner Keywords Brachytherapy - Chemotherapy - Gynecologic Cancer - Radiation Related subjects Oncology & Hematology - Radiology

Modern brachytherapy is one of the most important oncological treatment modalities requiring an integrated approach that utilizes new technologies, advanced clinical imaging facilities, and a thorough understanding of the radiobiological effects on different tissues, the principles of physics, dosimetry techniques and protocols, and clinical expertise. A complete overview of the field, Comprehensive Brachytherapy: Physical and Clinical Aspects is a landmark publication, presenting a detailed account of the underlying physics, design, and implementation of the techniques, along with practical guidance for practitioners. Bridging the gap between research and application, this single source brings together the technological basis, radiation dosimetry, quality assurance, and fundamentals of brachytherapy. In addition, it presents discussion of the most recent clinical practice in brachytherapy including prostate, gynecology, breast, and other clinical treatment sites. Along with exploring new clinical protocols, it discusses major advances in imaging, robotics, dosimetry, Monte Carlo-based dose calculation, and optimization.

Tumors involving peripheral nerves may be extremely challenging lesions to diagnose and treat. In order to optimize their management, physicians should have a thorough knowledge of peripheral nerve anatomy and pathology (both gross and microscopic), as well as familiarity with microsurgical techniques and intraoperative neurophysiological recording. This compendium deals with all aspects of tumors affecting peripheral nerves, from diagnosis to treatment; the topics it addresses range from epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical diagnosis to electrophysiology, imaging, genetic/cytomolecular aspects. Surgical approaches, biopsies and resection of various benign, malignant and pseudo-tumoral lesions, plexus tumors (both brachial and lumbosacral), and adjunctive treatment modalities and pain-related issues are described in detail. The book is intended not only for neurosurgeons, hand surgeons, plastic and orthopedic surgeons new to the field, but also for seasoned specialists who wish to update their knowledge with new insights based on robust experimental and clinical material. In addition, it will be a helpful tool for general and oncological surgeons who are sometimes faced with the treatment of mass lesions that may be potential nerve tumors, and for all practitioners who are engaged in the arduous struggle to bring relief to patients affected by these lesions.

Now in its third edition, Practical Radiotherapy continues to keep pace with current and emerging technologies, patient pathways, and the rapidly expanding role of therapeutic radiographers. Extensively revised and updated, this accessible book examines all the essential aspects of radiotherapy, from the physics and mathematics of radiation beams, to in-depth descriptions of the equipment used by radiotherapy practitioners, to new and expanded coverage of MR-linac and Halcyon technology, proton therapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, sealed-source verification and quality assurance for MV equipment. Covers all the core information essential to radiotherapy practice Describes the major aspects of therapeutic radiography in a practical context Includes images, diagrams, supplemental reading suggestions and more radiotherapy-specific examples Features expanded coverage of legislation, advanced treatment delivery, flattening filter free treatment and more Practical Radiotherapy is a valuable resource for radiotherapy and medical physics students, radiotherapists, therapeutic radiographers, radiation therapists, clinical oncologists and oncology nurses.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as an important innovative treatment for various primary and metastatic cancers. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the physical/technological, biological, and clinical aspects of SBRT. It will serve as a detailed resource for this rapidly developing treatment modality. The organ sites covered include lung, liver, spine, pancreas, prostate, adrenal, head and neck, and female reproductive tract. Retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials on SBRT for various organ sites from around the world are examined, and toxicities and normal tissue constraints are discussed. This book features unique insights from world-renowned experts in SBRT from North America, Asia, and Europe. It will be necessary reading for radiation oncologists, radiation oncology residents and fellows, medical physicists, medical physics residents, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and cancer scientists.

This Recent Results in Cancer Research volume contains the majority of the invited expert contributions from the First St. Gallen EORTC Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference, held on 22-24 March 2012 in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Written by some of the world s leading experts in the field, the volume constitutes a comprehensive update on recent developments in the imaging, molecular biology, pathology, and multidisciplinary management of early cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. The latest recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment are provided, and areas of consensus and controversy, identified. While the principal focus is on esophageal and gastric cancer, advances in the treatment of colorectal and pancreatic cancer are also discussed in some detail. This book will be of interest to every clinician involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies. "

Defining organs at risk is a crucial task for radiation oncologists when aiming to optimize the benefit of radiation therapy, with delivery of the maximum dose to the tumor volume while sparing healthy tissues. This book will prove an invaluable guide to the delineation of organs at risk of toxicity in patients undergoing radiotherapy. The first and second sections address the anatomy of organs at risk, discuss the pathophysiology of radiation-induced damage, and present dose constraints and methods for target volume delineation. The third section is devoted to the radiological anatomy of organs at risk as seen on typical radiotherapy planning CT scans, with a view to assisting the radiation oncologist to recognize and delineate these organs for each anatomical region - head and neck, mediastinum, abdomen, and pelvis. The book is intended both for young radiation oncologists still in training and for their senior colleagues wishing to reduce intra-institutional variations in practice and thereby to standardize the definition of clinical target volumes.

This fourth volume in the series Methods of Cancer Diagnosis, Therapy and Prognosis discusses various methodologies for the diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of Colorectal Cancer. Both standard and emerging therapies for this cancer, written by expert oncologists/pathologists in this field, are included. This fully illustrated volume * Presents surgical, radiological, and molecular therapies and prognostic markers for colorectal cancer. * Highlights a large number of methods for diagnosing colorectal cancer at various stages of development, including immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization immunoscintigraphy, RT- PCR, free circulating DNA levels in blood and stool, ultrasonography, CT, PET, and MRI. * Includes imaging technologies for assessing the treatment results, as are details related to colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. * Explains the use of anticancer agents and monoclonal antibodies, including 5-fluorouracil, fluoropyrimidines, leucovorin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, raltitrexed, capecitabine, cetuximab, and bevacizumab. * Compares preoperative chemoradiotherapy with postoperative chemoradiotherpy. The technological advances presented in this volume are expected to expedite new discoveries and their translation to clinical practice. Oncology will benefit the most from these advanced methods, as a combination of therapies and personalized medicine will improve early detection of colorectal cancer and other cancer types. Professor Hayat has summarized the problems associated with the complexities of research publications and has been successful in editinga must-read volume for oncologists, cancer researchers, medical teachers and students of cancer biology.

Proton and Carbon Ion Therapy is an up-to-date guide to using proton and carbon ion therapy in modern cancer treatment. The book covers the physics and radiobiology basics of proton and ion beams, dosimetry methods and radiation measurements, and treatment delivery systems. It gives practical guidance on patient setup, target localization, and treatment planning for clinical proton and carbon ion therapy. The text also offers detailed reports on the treatment of pediatric cancers, lymphomas, and various other cancers. After an overview, the book focuses on the fundamental aspects of proton and carbon ion therapy equipment, including accelerators, gantries, and delivery systems. It then discusses dosimetry, biology, imaging, and treatment planning basics and provides clinical guidelines on the use of proton and carbon ion therapy for the treatment of specific cancers. Suitable for anyone involved with medical physics and radiation therapy, this book offers a balanced and critical assessment of state-of-the-art technologies, major challenges, and the future outlook of proton and carbon ion therapy. It presents a thorough introduction for those new to the field while providing a helpful, up-to-date reference for readers already using the therapy in clinical settings.

Rapid advances in nanotechnology have enabled the fabrication of nanoparticles from various materials with different shapes, sizes, and properties, and efforts are ongoing to exploit these materials for practical clinical applications. Nanotechnology is particularly relevant in the field of oncology, as the leaky and chaotic vasculature of tumors-a hallmark of unrestrained growth-results in the passive accumulation of nanoparticles within tumors. Cancer Nanotechnology: Principles and Applications in Radiation Oncology is a compilation of research in the arena of nanoparticles and radiation oncology, which lies at the intersection of disciplines as diverse as clinical radiation oncology, radiation physics and biology, nanotechnology, materials science, and biomedical engineering. The book provides a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary survey of basic principles, research techniques, and outcomes with the goals of eventual clinical translation. Coverage includes A general introduction to fabrication, preferential tumor targeting, and imaging of nanoparticles The specific applications of nanomaterials in the realms of radiation therapy, hyperthermia, thermal therapy, and normal tissue protection from radiation exposure Outlooks for future research and clinical translation including regulatory issues for ultimate use of nanomaterials in humans Reflecting profound advances in the application of nanotechnology to radiation oncology, this comprehensive volume demonstrates how the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles lead to novel strategies for cancer treatment and detection. Along with various computational and experimental techniques, each chapter highlights the most promising approaches to the use of nanoparticles for radiation response modulation.

This book describes radionanomedicine as an integrated medicine using exogenous and endogenous This book describes radionanomedicine as an integrated approach that uses exogenous and endogenous nanomaterials for in vivo and human applications. It comprehensively explains radionanomedicine comprising nuclear and nanomedicine, demonstrating that it is more than radionanodrugs and that radionanomedicine also takes advantage of nuclear medicine using trace technology, in which miniscule amounts of materials and tracer kinetic elucidate in vivo biodistribution. It also discusses exogenous nanomaterials such as inorganic silica, iron oxide, upconversion nanoparticles and quantum dots or organic liposomes labelled with radioisotopes, and radionanomaterials used for targeted delivery and imaging for theranostic purposes. Further, it examines endogenous nanomaterials i.e. extracellular vesicles labelled with radioisotopes, known as radiolabelled extracellular vesicles, as well as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which elucidate the biodistribution and potential for therapeutic success.

Radiotherapy can be delivered with different types of machine, such as external beam high energy radiation machines, kilovoltage machines and brachytherapy equipment. Variation in the incidence of different cancer types, the complexity and cost of treatment technologies, and differences in local social, economic and physical circumstances are all factors that influence technology acquisition, purchase and implementation. This publication addresses one of the many factors, associated with the planning of a new radiotherapy facility or the upgrade of an existing one – the selection of a high energy (megavoltage) radiotherapy machine. The two main high energy machine types are medical linear accelerators (linacs) and cobalt?60 machines. Although both treatment modalities have been compared extensively in the relevant literature, very few publications describe all the issues to consider when choosing a megavoltage machine. This publication puts all appropriate questions into context and provides information for non?technical administrators and decision makers, and for professionals directly involved in treating patients.

This book provides an up-to-date review of current management techniques for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It addresses all of the latest issues that have been raised by the discovery of oncogenic drivers and the improvement of diagnosis and therapeutic methods, including new radiotherapy techniques and anticancer strategies like immunotherapy. New strategies for patients with molecular alterations and the management of particular types of cases are also highlighted. Written by recognized experts in their field, the book represents a unique and valuable resource in the field of lung cancer, both for those currently in training and for those already in clinical or research practice.

This book covers all aspects of chronic radiation syndrome (CRS) based on observations in a unique sample of residents of the Techa riverside villages in the southern Urals who were exposed to radioactive contamination in the 1950s owing to releases of liquid radioactive wastes. The opening chapters discuss the definition and classification of CRS, its epidemiology and pathogenesis and the pathoanatomy of CRS during the development and recovery stages. Clinical manifestations of CRS at the different stages are then described in detail and the dynamics of hematopoietic changes are thoroughly examined. In the following chapters, principles of diagnosis and differential diagnosis are discussed and current and potential treatment options, described. The medical and social rehabilitation of persons with CRS is also covered. This book, which casts new light on the condition, will be of value for all practitioners and researchers with an interest in CRS.