The Physics and Radiobiology of Fast Neutron Beams


Book Description

Over fifty years have passed since the first patient was treated with fast neutrons, but this form of therapy is still a matter of bitter dispute. Neutron generators have been installed in many countries and now patients can be treated with equipment that is technically similar to modern megavoltage x-ray equipment. The Physics and Radiobiology of Fast Neutron Beams presents a full discussion of the physical and radiobiological factors governing the production and use of fast neutron beams for therapy. The book discusses vastly improved neutron generators, advances in the standardization of dosimetric methods, and the specification of radiation quality. In addition, it explores nuclear methods of analysis, particularly neutron activation analysis in vivo. Influencing the place of radiotherapy with neutrons and other heavy particles, the radiobiological factors governing the treatment of cancer with radiation are examined. The author also studies the radiation hazard of neutrons, a matter of importance in the use of neutrons for chemical analysis in vivo. The Physics and Radiobiology of Fast Neutron Beams will be a valuable introduction to the subject for radiotherapists, medical physicists, radiographers, and radiobiologists new to the field. The book is also a useful summary of current knowledge for those already established in the use of fast neutrons for medical purposes.




Proton Therapy Physics


Book Description

Proton Therapy Physics goes beyond current books on proton therapy to provide an in-depth overview of the physics aspects of this radiation therapy modality, eliminating the need to dig through information scattered in the medical physics literature. After tracing the history of proton therapy, the book summarizes the atomic and nuclear physics background necessary for understanding proton interactions with tissue. It describes the physics of proton accelerators, the parameters of clinical proton beams, and the mechanisms to generate a conformal dose distribution in a patient. The text then covers detector systems and measuring techniques for reference dosimetry, outlines basic quality assurance and commissioning guidelines, and gives examples of Monte Carlo simulations in proton therapy. The book moves on to discussions of treatment planning for single- and multiple-field uniform doses, dose calculation concepts and algorithms, and precision and uncertainties for nonmoving and moving targets. It also examines computerized treatment plan optimization, methods for in vivo dose or beam range verification, the safety of patients and operating personnel, and the biological implications of using protons from a physics perspective. The final chapter illustrates the use of risk models for common tissue complications in treatment optimization. Along with exploring quality assurance issues and biological considerations, this practical guide collects the latest clinical studies on the use of protons in treatment planning and radiation monitoring. Suitable for both newcomers in medical physics and more seasoned specialists in radiation oncology, the book helps readers understand the uncertainties and limitations of precisely shaped dose distribution.




Biomedical Physics in Radiotherapy for Cancer


Book Description

The scientific and clinical foundations of Radiation Therapy are cross-disciplinary. This book endeavours to bring together the physics, the radiobiology, the main clinical aspects as well as available clinical evidence behind Radiation Therapy, presenting mutual relationships between these disciplines and their role in the advancements of radiation oncology.




Neutron Generators for Analytical Purposes


Book Description

This publication addresses recent developments in neutron generator (NG) technology. It presents information on compact instruments with high neutron yield to be used for neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis in combination with high count rate spectrometers. Traditional NGs have been shown to be effective for applications including borehole logging, homeland security, nuclear medicine and the on-line analysis of aluminium, coal and cement. Pulsed fast thermal neutron analysis, as well as tagged and timed neutron analysis, are additional techniques which can be applied using NG. Furthermore, NG can effectively be used for elemental analysis and is also effective for analysis of hidden materials by neutron radiography. Useful guidelines for developing NG based research laboratories are also provided in this publication.




Encyclopedia of Radiation Oncology


Book Description

This comprehensive encyclopedia, comprising a wide range of entries written by leading experts, provides detailed information on radiation oncology, including the most recent developments in the field. It will be of particular value for basic and clinical scientists in academia, practice, and industry and will also be of benefit to those in related fields, students, teachers, and interested laypersons.




Clinical Radiation Oncology


Book Description

Perfect for radiation oncology physicians and residents needing a multidisciplinary, treatment-focused resource, this updated edition continues to provide the latest knowledge in this consistently growing field. Not only will you broaden your understanding of the basic biology of disease processes, you'll also access updated treatment algorithms, information on techniques, and state-of-the-art modalities. The consistent and concise format provides just the right amount of information, making Clinical Radiation Oncology a welcome resource for use by the entire radiation oncology team. Content is templated and divided into three sections -- Scientific Foundations of Radiation Oncology, Techniques and Modalities, and Disease Sites - for quick access to information. Disease Sites chapters summarize the most important issues on the opening page and include a full-color format, liberal use of tables and figures, a closing section with a discussion of controversies and problems, and a treatment algorithm that reflects the treatment approach of the authors. Chapters have been edited for scientific accuracy, organization, format, and adequacy of outcome data (such as disease control, survival, and treatment tolerance). Allows you to examine the therapeutic management of specific disease sites based on single-modality and combined-modality approaches. Features an emphasis on providing workup and treatment algorithms for each major disease process, as well as the coverage of molecular biology and its relevance to individual diseases. Two new chapters provide an increased emphasis on stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body irradiation (SBRT). New Associate Editor, Dr. Andrea Ng, offers her unique perspectives to the Lymphoma and Hematologic Malignancies section. Key Points are summarized at the beginning of each disease-site chapter, mirroring the template headings and highlighting essential information and outcomes. Treatment algorithms and techniques, together with discussions of controversies and problems, reflect the treatment approaches employed by the authors. Disease Site Overviews allow each section editor to give a unique perspective on important issues, while online updates to Disease Site chapters ensure your knowledge is current. Disease Site chapters feature updated information on disease management and outcomes. Four videos accessible on Expert Consult include Intraoperative Irradiation, Prostate Brachytherapy, Penile Brachytherapy, and Ocular Melanoma. Thirty all-new anatomy drawings increase your visual understanding. Expert Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.




Textbook of Radiation Oncology


Book Description

Thoroughly revised and updated, the 2nd Edition presents all of the latest advances in the field, including the most recent technologies and techniques. For each tumor site discussed, readers will find unparalleled coverage of multiple treatment plans, histology and biology of the tumor, its anatomic location and routes of spread, and utilization of specialized techniques. This convenient source also reviews all of the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Comprehensively reviews each topic, with a distinct clinical orientation throughout. Serves as a foundation for the basic principles that underlie the selection and application of radiation as a treatment modality, including radiobiology, radiation physics, immobilization and simulation, high dose rate, intraoperative irradation, and more. Guides readers through all stages of treatment application with step-by-step techniques for the assessment and implementation of radiotherapeutic options. Presents latest information on brachytherapy * 3-dimensional conformal treatment planning * sterotactic radiosurgery * and radiolabeled antibodies. Discusses the recent use of radiotherapy in the treatment of primary lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the prostate and central nervous system. Includes the latest AJCC staging system guidelines. Offers the latest advances in techniques, allowing you to deliver doses precisely to areas affected by malignancy and spare healthy tissue. Presents new chapters on the hottest topics including Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy * Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy * Breathing Synchronized Radiotherapy * Plasma Cell Tumors: Multiple Myeloma and Solitary Plasmacytoma * Extracranial Stereotactic Radioablation * and [Imaging of the] Head and Neck * Thorax * Abdomen * and Pelvis.




Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry


Book Description

A straightforward presentation of the broad concepts underlying radiological physics and radiation dosimetry for the graduate-level student. Covers photon and neutron attenuation, radiation and charged particle equilibrium, interactions of photons and charged particles with matter, radiotherapy dosimetry, as well as photographic, calorimetric, chemical, and thermoluminescence dosimetry. Includes many new derivations, such as Kramers X-ray spectrum, as well as topics that have not been thoroughly analyzed in other texts, such as broad-beam attenuation and geometrics, and the reciprocity theorem. Subjects are layed out in a logical sequence, making the topics easier for students to follow. Supplemented with numerous diagrams and tables.




The Physics of Radiation Therapy


Book Description

Dr. Khan's classic textbook on radiation oncology physics is now in its thoroughly revised and updated Fourth Edition. It provides the entire radiation therapy team—radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists—with a thorough understanding of the physics and practical clinical applications of advanced radiation therapy technologies, including 3D-CRT, stereotactic radiotherapy, HDR, IMRT, IGRT, and proton beam therapy. These technologies are discussed along with the physical concepts underlying treatment planning, treatment delivery, and dosimetry. This Fourth Edition includes brand-new chapters on image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and proton beam therapy. Other chapters have been revised to incorporate the most recent developments in the field. This edition also features more than 100 full-color illustrations throughout. A companion Website will offer the fully searchable text and an image bank.




Physics in Radiation Oncology Self-Assessment Guide


Book Description

This guide & companion to the Radiation Oncology Self-Assessment Guide is a comprehensive physics review for anyone in the field of radiation oncology looking to enhance their knowledge of medical physics. It covers in depth the principles of radiation physics as applied to radiation therapy along with their technical and clinical applications. To foster retention of key concepts and data, the resource utilizes a user-friendly ìflash cardî question and answer format with over 800 questions. The questions are supported by detailed answers and rationales along with reference citations for source information. The Guide is comprised of 14 chapters that lead the reader through the radiation oncology physics field, from basic physics to current practice and latest innovations. Aspects of basic physics covered include fundamentals, photon and particle interactions, and dose measurement. A section on current practice covers treatment planning, safety, regulations, quality assurance, and SBRT, SRS, TBI, IMRT, and IGRT techniques. A chapter unique to this volume is dedicated to those topics in diagnostic imaging most relevant to radiology, including MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, mammography, PET, SPECT, and CT. New technologies such as VMAT, novel IGRT devices, proton therapy, and MRI-guided therapy are also incorporated. Focused and authoritative, this must-have review combines the expertise of clinical radiation oncology and radiation physics faculty from the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. Key Features: Includes more than 800 questions with detailed answers and rationales A one-stop guide for those studying the physics of radiation oncology including those wishing to reinforce their current knowledge of medical physics Delivered in a ìflash cardî format to facilitate recall of key concepts and data Presents a unique chapter on diagnostic imaging topics most relevant to radiation oncology Content provided by a vast array of contributors, including physicists, radiation oncology residents, dosimetrists, and physicians About the Editors: Andrew Godley, PhD, is Staff Physicist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH Ping Xia, PhD, is Head of Medical Physics and Professor of Molecular Medicine, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.