Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics – Theory and Practice

P Mayles, A Nahum, J.C Rosenwald0750308605, 9780750308601, 9781420012026

From background physics and biological models to the latest imaging and treatment modalities, the Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics: Theory and Practice covers all theoretical and practical aspects of radiotherapy physics. In this comprehensive reference, each part focuses on a major area of radiotherapy, beginning with an introduction by the editors and then subdividing into self-contained chapters. The first three parts present the fundamentals of the underlying physics, radiobiology, and technology involved. The ensuing sections discuss the support requirements of external beam radiotherapy, such as dose measurements, properties of clinical beams, patient dose computation, treatment planning, and quality assurance, followed by a part that explores exciting new advances that include developments in photon and particle therapy. Subsequent sections examine brachytherapy using sealed and unsealed sources and provide the framework of radiation protection, including an appendix that describes the detailed application of UK legislation. The final part contains handy tables of both physical constants and attenuation data. To achieve safe and effective radiotherapy, there needs to be a close understanding among various disciplines. With contributions from renowned specialists, the Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics: Theory and Practice provides essential theoretical and practical knowledge for medical physicists, researchers, radiation oncologists, and radiation technologists.