Frontiers in Radiation Oncology


Book Description

The mode of action by radiation is postulated to be the production of double strand breaks of DNA. The repair of double strand breaks occurs through non homologous end joining through acetylation of histone proteins by histone acetyltransferases (HATs). The fixation of double strand breaks through HAT inhibitors is a promising application for radiation sensitization in the clinic. P53 is a tumour suppressor gene and its mutation has been implicated in 60% of human cancers. As one of the pivotal anticancer genes, P53 controls the transcription and translation of a series of genes. The kinetics of DNA double strand break generation and their co relation to P53 status, ATM and ARF activation are computed and modelled for understanding the potential of such research.




Re-Irradiation: New Frontiers


Book Description

This book, now in its second edition, provides a comprehensive overview of current re-irradiation strategies, with detailed discussion of re-irradiation methods, technical aspects, the role of combined therapy with anticancer drugs and hyperthermia, and normal tissue tolerance. In addition, disease specific chapters document recent clinical results and future research directions. All chapters from the first edition have been revised and updated to take account of the latest developments and research findings, including those from prospective studies. Due attention is paid to the exciting developments in the fields of proton irradiation and frameless image-guided ablative radiotherapy. The book documents fully how refined combined modality approaches and significant technical advances in radiation treatment planning and delivery have facilitated the re-irradiation of previously exposed volumes, allowing both palliative and curative approaches to be pursued at various disease sites. Professionals involved in radiation treatment planning and multimodal oncology treatment will find it to be an invaluable aid in understanding the benefits and limitations of re-irradiation and in designing prospective trials.




Machine Learning in Radiation Oncology


Book Description

​This book provides a complete overview of the role of machine learning in radiation oncology and medical physics, covering basic theory, methods, and a variety of applications in medical physics and radiotherapy. An introductory section explains machine learning, reviews supervised and unsupervised learning methods, discusses performance evaluation, and summarizes potential applications in radiation oncology. Detailed individual sections are then devoted to the use of machine learning in quality assurance; computer-aided detection, including treatment planning and contouring; image-guided radiotherapy; respiratory motion management; and treatment response modeling and outcome prediction. The book will be invaluable for students and residents in medical physics and radiation oncology and will also appeal to more experienced practitioners and researchers and members of applied machine learning communities.




Big Data in Radiation Oncology


Book Description

Big Data in Radiation Oncology gives readers an in-depth look into how big data is having an impact on the clinical care of cancer patients. While basic principles and key analytical and processing techniques are introduced in the early chapters, the rest of the book turns to clinical applications, in particular for cancer registries, informatics, radiomics, radiogenomics, patient safety and quality of care, patient-reported outcomes, comparative effectiveness, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making. More features of the book are: Offers the first focused treatment of the role of big data in the clinic and its impact on radiation therapy. Covers applications in cancer registry, radiomics, patient safety, quality of care, treatment planning, decision making, and other key areas. Discusses the fundamental principles and techniques for processing and analysis of big data. Address the use of big data in cancer prevention, detection, prognosis, and management. Provides practical guidance on implementation for clinicians and other stakeholders. Dr. Jun Deng is a professor at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology of Yale University School of Medicine and an ABR board certified medical physicist at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He has received numerous honors and awards such as Fellow of Institute of Physics in 2004, AAPM Medical Physics Travel Grant in 2008, ASTRO IGRT Symposium Travel Grant in 2009, AAPM-IPEM Medical Physics Travel Grant in 2011, and Fellow of AAPM in 2013. Lei Xing, Ph.D., is the Jacob Haimson Professor of Medical Physics and Director of Medical Physics Division of Radiation Oncology Department at Stanford University. His research has been focused on inverse treatment planning, tomographic image reconstruction, CT, optical and PET imaging instrumentations, image guided interventions, nanomedicine, and applications of molecular imaging in radiation oncology. Dr. Xing is on the editorial boards of a number of journals in radiation physics and medical imaging, and is recipient of numerous awards, including the American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award, The Whitaker Foundation Grant Award, and a Max Planck Institute Fellowship.




Frontiers in Oncology: Quarterly Highlights. Quarter 1 2019


Book Description

Foreword from the Field Chief Editor, Giuseppe Giaccone Once again Frontiers in Oncology has started the year on a positive note, breaking previous records for submissions and publications, as well as the number of Research Topic article collections posted. The journal continues to grow in size, adding an 18th section focusing on Cancer Metabolism, led by Michael Lisanti and Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn, and has brought on a total of five new Chief Editors. Here, introducing Frontiers in Oncology: Quarterly Highlights, we feature a collection of carefully selected articles published during the first quarter of 2019 across the different sections. With a record number of papers to choose from, the papers enclosed in this Special Edition highlight some of the recent advances across the different disciplines. With an array of papers looking at everything from translational research to association studies and clinical trial results, Frontiers in Oncology continues to publish high-quality research from researchers around the world. Many of the recently posted Research Topics in the journal focus on early diagnosis and prevention, as well as the importance of survivorship studies and outcomes of cancer treatment. Consideration of such aspects of cancer research and treatment is pivotal in the global effort towards increased survival rates and improved quality of life. With ASCO 2019 marking the end of Q1 and the transition into Q2, the journal looks forward to the rest of the year, and continuing to play an active role in the research community. Giuseppe Giaccone







Primer on Radiation Oncology Physics


Book Description

Gain mastery over the fundamentals of radiation oncology physics! This package gives you over 60 tutorial videos (each 15-20 minutes in length) with a companion text, providing the most complete and effective introduction available. Dr. Ford has tested this approach in formal instruction for years with outstanding results. The text includes extensive problem sets for each chapter. The videos include embedded quizzes and "whiteboard" screen technology to facilitate comprehension. Together, this provides a valuable learning tool both for training purposes and as a refresher for those in practice. Key Features A complete learning package for radiation oncology physics, including a full series of video tutorials with an associated textbook companion website Clearly drawn, simple illustrations throughout the videos and text Embedded quiz feature in the video tutorials for testing comprehension while viewing Each chapter includes problem sets (solutions available to educators)




Psychosocial Advances in Neuro-Oncology


Book Description

Neuro-oncology is a rapidly growing field concerned with scientific developments and clinical applications related to neuroscience, neuropsychology, cancer and oncology. Neuro-oncological disorders include cancers that directly affect the central nervous system (CNS), such as brain tumours and brain metastases, and non-CNS cancers with treatments that produce neurocognitive impairment. To date, the biological mechanisms and neuropsychological effects of brain tumour and cancer have been the dominant focus in neuro-oncology literature. In terms of psychosocial aspects of care, people’s understanding of their diagnosis and symptoms and how they cope with their illness has a major influence on their emotional well-being and quality of life.The development and evaluation of psychological and supportive care interventions for people with brain tumour is an area of emerging research and of high interest to health professionals working in the field. This Research Topic aims to enhance understanding of the psychological and social consequences of brain tumour and other cancers impacting neurocognitive function. It also aims to showcase new developments in assessment and psychosocial intervention approaches.




Cancer and the Kidney


Book Description

Cancer and the Kidney covers the challenging overlap area of nephrology and oncology, both in terms of kidney problems in cancer patients, and cancer that affects kidney patients, including assessment of kidney function, to paraneoplastic disorders, acquired cysts and native kidney cancers, and all points inbetween.




Radiotherapy in Cancer Care


Book Description

Cancer treatment is complex and calls for a diverse set of services. Radiation therapy is recognized as an essential tool in the cure and palliation of cancer. Currently, access to radiation treatment is limited in many countries and non-existent in some. This lack of radiation therapy resources exacerbates the burden of disease and underscores the continuing health care disparity among States. Closing this gap represents an essential measure in addressing this global health equity problem. This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the major topics and issues to be taken into consideration when planning a strategy to address this problem, in particular in low and middle income countries. With contributions from leaders in the field, it provides an introduction to the achievements and issues of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment modality around the world. Dedicated chapters focus on the new radiotherapy technologies, proton beams, carbon ion, intraoperative radiotherapy, radiotherapy for children, treatment of HIV-AIDS malignancies, and costing and quality management issues.