Read an exclusive interview with Dr. Jerry Battista here. A critical element of radiation treatment planning for cancer is the accurate prediction and delivery of a tailored radiation dose distribution inside the patient. Megavoltage x-ray beams are aimed at the tumour, while collateral damage to nearby healthy tissue and organs is minimized. The key to optimal treatment therefore lies in adopting a trustworthy three-dimensional (3D) dose computation algorithm, which simulates the passage of both primary and secondary radiation throughout the exposed tissue. Edited by an award-winning university educator and pioneer in the field of voxel-based radiation dose computation, this book explores the physics and mathematics that underlie algorithms encountered in contemporary radiation oncology. It is an invaluable reference for clinical physicists who commission, develop, or test treatment planning software. This book also covers a core topic in the syllabus for educating graduate students and residents entering the field of clinical physics. This book starts with a historical perspective gradually building up to the three most important algorithms used for today’s clinical applications. These algorithms can solve the same general radiation transport problem from three vantages: firstly, applying convolution-superposition principles (i.e. Green’s method); secondly, the stochastic simulation of radiation particle interactions with tissue atoms (i.e. the Monte Carlo method); and thirdly, the deterministic solution of the fundamental equations for radiation fields of x-rays and their secondary particles (i.e. the Boltzmann method). It contains clear, original illustrations of key concepts and quantities thoughout, supplemented by metaphors and analogies to facilitate comprehension and retention of knowledge. Features: Edited by an authority in the field, enhanced with chapter contributions from physicists with clinical experience in the fields of computational dosimetry and dose optimization Contains examples of test phantom results and clinical cases, illustrating pitfalls to avoid in clinical applications to radiation oncology Introduces four-dimensional (4D) dose computation, on-line dose reconstruction, and dose accumulation that accounts for tissue displacements and motion throughout a course of radiation therapy

This book explores the physics and mathematics that underlie the dose computation algorithms used in modern radiation oncology. It is an invaluable reference for clinical practitioners and researchers who wish to utilise the software, in addition to graduate students and residents.

From the essential background physics and radiobiology to the latest imaging and treatment modalities, the updated second edition of Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics: Theory & Practice covers all aspects of the subject. In Volume 1, Part A includes the Interaction of Radiation with Matter (charged particles and photons) and the Fundamentals of Dosimetry with an extensive section on small-field physics. Part B covers Radiobiology with increased emphasis on hypofractionation. Part C describes Equipment for Imaging and Therapy including MR-guided linear accelerators. Part D on Dose Measurement includes chapters on ionisation chambers, solid-state detectors, film and gels, as well as a detailed description and explanation of Codes of Practice for Reference Dose Determination including detector correction factors in small fields. Part E describes the properties of Clinical (external) Beams. The various methods (or ‘algorithms’) for Computing Doses in Patients irradiated by photon, electron and proton beams are described in Part F with increased emphasis on Monte-Carlo-based and grid-based deterministic algorithms. In Volume 2, Part G covers all aspects of Treatment Planning including CT-, MR- and Radionuclide-based patient imaging, Intensity-Modulated Photon Beams, Electron and Proton Beams, Stereotactic and Total Body Irradiation and the use of the dosimetric and radiobiological metrics TCP and NTCP for plan evaluation and optimisation. Quality Assurance fundamentals with application to equipment and processes are covered in Part H. Radionuclides, equipment and methods for Brachytherapy and Targeted Molecular Therapy are covered in Parts I and J, respectively. Finally, Part K is devoted to Radiation Protection of the public, staff and patients. Extensive tables of Physical Constants, Photon, Electron and Proton Interaction data, and typical Photon Beam and Radionuclide data are given in Part L. Edited by recognised authorities in the field, with individual chapters written by renowned specialists, this second edition of Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics provides the essential up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge to deliver safe and effective radiotherapy. It will be of interest to clinical and research medical physicists, radiation oncologists, radiation technologists, PhD and Master’s students.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to current state-of-the-art auto-segmentation approaches used in radiation oncology for auto-delineation of organs-of-risk for thoracic radiation treatment planning. Containing the latest, cutting edge technologies and treatments, it explores deep-learning methods, multi-atlas-based methods, and model-based methods that are currently being developed for clinical radiation oncology applications. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of algorithm choices and discusses the impact of the different algorithm modules to the algorithm performance as well as the implementation issues for clinical use (including data curation challenges and auto-contour evaluations). This book is an ideal guide for radiation oncology centers looking to learn more about potential auto-segmentation tools for their clinic in addition to medical physicists commissioning auto-segmentation for clinical use. Features: Up-to-date with the latest technologies in the field Edited by leading authorities in the area, with chapter contributions from subject area specialists All approaches presented in this book are validated using a standard benchmark dataset established by the Thoracic Auto-segmentation Challenge held as an event of the 2017 Annual Meeting of American Association of Physicists in Medicine

With contributions from leading international researchers, this second edition of Electrical Impedance Tomography: Methods, History and Applications has been fully updated throughout and contains new developments in the field, including sections on image interpretation and image reconstruction. Providing a thorough review of the progress of EIT, the present state of knowledge, and a look at future advances and applications, this accessible reference will be invaluable for mathematicians, physicists dealing with bioimpedance, electronic engineers involved in developing and extending its applications, and clinicians wishing to take advantage of this powerful imaging method. Key Features: Fully updated throughout, with new sections on image interpretation and image reconstruction Overview of the current state of experimental and clinical use of EIT as well as active research developments Overview of related research in geophysics, industrial process tomography, magnetic-resonance and magnetic-induction impedance imaging

With thorough updates throughout, Clinical Radiation Oncology provides the most comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date information available for treating patients with cancer. From a multidisciplinary perspective, this new edition, edited by Drs. Leonard L. Gunderson and Joel E. Tepper, examines the therapeutic management of specific disease sites based on both single-modality and combined-modality approaches - providing you with the well-rounded, cutting-edge guidance you need to offer the most effective treatments. A consistent chapter format, full-color design, and access to the full text at www.expertconsult.com make reference fast and easy. It is an ideal resource for mastering the latest, most effective techniques and modalities! Deepen your knowledge with a comprehensive, clinical approach to the scientific foundations of radiation oncology and general oncology as well as state-of-the-art techniques and modalities. Implement a multidisciplinary, "team care" approach to providing intricate treatment plans for patients, often in conjunction with medical oncologists, and surgeons. Broaden your understanding of the basic biology of the disease processes. Examine the therapeutic management of specific disease sites based on single-modality and combined-modality approaches. Quickly and easily find critical information thanks to an easily accessible, full-color design with over 800 color figures that clearly depict treatment techniques. Get broad multimodality perspectives and unique insights from a diverse team of respected editors and contributors –many of whom are new to this edition – affiliated with institutions across North America and internationally Access the fully searchable text anywhere, anytime at www.expertconsult.com, along with references, additional images and tables, video clips and more! Stay current with comprehensive updates throughout that include a new chapter on survivorship issues, and additional video clips on treatments such as prostate and penile cancer brachytherapy. Improve outcomes by providing the most effective treatment for each patient with expanded coverage of new modalities and treatment regimens. Understand and comply with the latest staging guidelines.

About ten years after the first edition comes this second edition of Monte Carlo Techniques in Radiation Therapy: Introduction, Source Modelling, and Patient Dose Calculations, thoroughly updated and extended with the latest topics, edited by Frank Verhaegen and Joao Seco. This book aims to provide a brief introduction to the history and basics of Monte Carlo simulation, but again has a strong focus on applications in radiotherapy. Since the first edition, Monte Carlo simulation has found many new applications, which are included in detail. The applications sections in this book cover the following: Modelling transport of photons, electrons, protons, and ions Modelling radiation sources for external beam radiotherapy Modelling radiation sources for brachytherapy Design of radiation sources Modelling dynamic beam delivery Patient dose calculations in external beam radiotherapy Patient dose calculations in brachytherapy Use of artificial intelligence in Monte Carlo simulations This book is intended for both students and professionals, both novice and experienced, in medical radiotherapy physics. It combines overviews of development, methods, and references to facilitate Monte Carlo studies.

An introduction to the physical principles and equipment involved in the production, use and attenuation of radiation, and the laws governing the administration of ionising radiations. Written by a distinguished team of radiography teachers, the book is designed specifically for the needs of the radiographer in training. The clear text is well-illustrated throughout with half-tones and line drawings.