The book provides, in a comprehensive yet concise way, essential information to improve the knowledge and skills of all healthcare providers involved in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. The content does not focus on general information that is widely available via different sources, but on technical aspects – “hands-on� daily practices and principles of radiation oncology that are not included in other books. Drawing on information taught in courses at e.g. the ESTRO School, as well as the authors’ broad clinical experience, the respective contributions reflect and share the expertise of leading experts in breast cancer radiation therapy, supported by sound data and evidence. Each chapter includes a short introduction summarizing the evidence in the literature and “pearls� (a short bullet-point summary), and is enriched by tables, figures and illustrations to provide a concise, easy-to-follow and appealing overview. The book, containing also useful electronic supplementary material, will be of interest to a wide range of readers, including radiation oncologists, radiation technicians, medical physicists, and others involved in breast cancer care.

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.