Recent advances in radiation oncology have depended upon and are intertwined with subsequent scientific discoveries and the development of new techniques in the fields of radiation and molecular biology, physics, electrical engineering, surgery, and medical oncology. This volume describes how some of the recent discoveries in the radiological sciences have influenced the way radiation oncology is practised. As there are many advances in this field, the Editors have chosen to concentrate on selected topics in clinical radiotherapy, radiation physics and biology, and technical innovations that have had a major impact on radiation oncology in the past twenty years. It is hoped that the techniques described in this volume will increase tumor control and prolong patient survival and at the same time decrease radiation-induced side effects and complications.

Recent advances in radiation oncology have depended upon and are intertwined with subsequent scientific discoveries and the development of new techniques in the fields of radiation and molecular biology, physics, electrical engineering, surgery, and medical oncology. This volume describes how some of the recent discoveries in the radiological sciences have influenced the way radiation oncology is practised. As there are many advances in this field, the Editors have chosen to concentrate on selected topics in clinical radiotherapy, radiation physics and biology, and technical innovations that have had a major impact on radiation oncology in the past twenty years. It is hoped that the techniques described in this volume will increase tumor control and prolong patient survival and at the same time decrease radiation-induced side effects and complications.

This well-received book, now in its fifth edition, is unique in providing a detailed examination of the technological basis of radiation therapy. Another unique feature is that the chapters are jointly written by North American and European authors. This considerably broadens the book's contents and increases its applicability in daily practice throughout the world. The book is divided into two sections. The first section covers basic concepts in treatment planning and explains the various approaches to radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, tomotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and high and low dose rate brachytherapy. The second discusses in depth the practical clinical applications of the different radiation therapy techniques in a wide range of cancer sites. All chapters have been written by leaders in the field. This book will serve to instruct and acquaint teachers, students, and practitioners with the basic technological factors and approaches in radiation therapy.