The techniques of state-of-the-art radiation therapy have evolved greatly in recent years. Treatment procedures such as conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy, high dose-rate and brachytherapy, and image-guided radiation therapy have become standards in radiation therapy clinics around the world. Teaching models for radiation therapy have advanced accordingly, as have the protocols for calibrating and applying radiation beams in treatment.

This Third Edition of Radiation Therapy Physics provides the latest information on the technological and conceptual developments currently transforming the field. A concise guide to fundamental principles and clinical applications, the text includes reviews of the most up-to-date instrumentation as well as critical historical links.

Radiation Therapy Physics, Third Edition offers:

• New coverage of imaging modalities in therapy planning and verification, calibration protocols, and precision radiation therapy, as well as relevant regulation and compliance issues
• An expanded section on computer applications in radiation therapy and electron beam therapy
• A new, easy-to-follow format
• Numerous illustrative diagrams, photographs, tables, and graphs
• Problems, answers, and summaries for each chapter
• New images obtained from high-energy x-ray beams delivered by linear accelerators
• Clear and concise writing style throughout

With its user-friendly presentation and broad, comprehensive coverage of radiotherapy physics, Radiation Therapy Physics, Third Edition is both an accessible medical text and a handy professional reference.

Hendee (radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin) provides the latest information on the technological and conceptual developments and clinical applications currently transforming the field of radiation therapy physics. This third edition contains new coverage of imaging modalities in therapy planning and certification, calibration protocols, and precision radiation therapy, as well as relevant regulation and compliance issues. There is an expanded section on computer applications in radiation and electron beam therapy, and there are new images obtained from high-energy X-ray beams delivered by linear accelerators. The layout of this third edition makes extensive use of self-contained segments, illustrations, highlights, sidebars, examples, and problems.
Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"...an excellent introduction to undergraduate physics students, and radiation oncology residents involved in education programs…" (Health Physics, September 2005)

"The breadth is impressive, and students would have every opportunity to meet the stated objective of attaining 'a solid foundation in the physics of radiation therapy.'" (Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, Spring 2005)

"This well written book will be an excellent primary textbook as well as reference resource in the library of anyone practicing in the field of radiation therapy." (Doody's Health Services)

"The authors are to be congratulated for their diligent effort in producing such a valuable work." (Medical Physics, February 2005)

The Third Edition of Radiation Therapy Physics addresses in concise fashion the fundamental diagnostic radiologic physics principles as well as their clinical implications. Along with coverage of the concepts and applications for the radiation treatment of cancer patients, the authors have included reviews of the most up-to-date instrumentation and critical historical links. The text includes coverage of imaging in therapy planning and surveillance, calibration protocols, and precision radiation therapy, as well as discussion of relevant regulation and compliance activities. It contains an updated and expanded section on computer applications in radiation therapy and electron beam therapy, and features enhanced user-friendliness and visual appeal with a new, easy-to-follow format, including sidebars and a larger trim size. With its user-friendly presentation and broad, comprehensive coverage of radiotherapy physics, this Third Edition doubles as a medical text and handy professional reference.

Preface.

Preface to the Second Edition.

Preface to the First Edition.

1. Atomic Structure and Radioactive Decay.

2. Production of X Rays.

3. Interactions of X Rays and Gamma Rays.

4. Radiation Units.

5. Measurement of Ionizing Radiation.

6. Calibration of Megavoltage Beams of X Rays and Electrons.

7. Dosimetry of Radiation Fields.

8. Treatment Planning by Manual Methods.

9. Diagnostic Imaging and Applications to Radiation Therapy.

10. Computer Systems.

11. Computer Based Treatment Planning.

12. Sources for Implant Therapy.

13. Brachytherapy Treatment Planning.

14. Radiation Protection.

15. Quality Assurance.

16. Advances in Radiation Therapy.

Answers to Selected Problems.

Index.