In this thesis, a tracking system was developed by modifying an add-on collimator, the Siemens Moduleaf, for realtime applications in radiotherapy. As the add-on collimator works almost completely autonomously of the linear accelerator (LinAc), no modifications to the latter were necessary. The adaptations to the Moduleaf were mainly software-based. In order to reduce the complexity of the system, outdated electronic parts were replaced with newer components where practical. Verification was performed by measuring the latency of the system as well as the impact on applied dose to a predefined target volume, moving in the leaf's travel direction. Latency measurements in software were accomplished by comparing the target and current positions of the leaves. For dose measurements, a Gafchromic EBT2 film was placed beneath the target 4D phantom, in between solid water plates, and moved alongside with it. Based on the results, a tracking-capable add-on collimator seems to be a useful tool for reducing the margins for the treatment of small, slow-moving targets. Radiotherapy is one of the most important methods used for the treatment of cancer. Irradiating a moving target is also one of the most challenging tasks to accomplish in modern radiotherapy.

Following recent developments in hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for brain and spine tumors, this new edition offers a fully updated and comprehensive "how-to" guidance on hypofractionated SRT for brain and spine metastases, glioma, benign tumors, and other tumor types. Presenting the state of the art of the technology and practice, this book: • Discusses the pros and cons of hypofractionated SRT compared to single-fraction radiosurgery, providing a deeper understanding of radiosurgery and radiobiology • Explains the toxicity and adverse effects of hypofractionated SRT including the dosage of 24 Gy in two spine SBRT fractionation schemes, aiding practitioners in communicating the risks and benefits of treatment and in obtaining consent from their patients • Outlines the current standards for safe practice, including checklists for implementation • Explores new technologies for brain and spine tumors including LITT, MR-guided focused ultrasound, and Zap technology, with chapters authored by well-recognized experts in the radiation, oncology, and neurosurgery communities; this book delivers a level of technological and clinical detail not available in journal papers This book is suitable for radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and medical physicists who specialize in brain and/or spine radiosurgery or want to start a program and need a comprehensive reference with key checklists for practice.

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

Radiotherapy is now one of the major cancer treatments. The field of accelerator and medical physics is important and growing to support high precision cancer radiotherapy. Advances in Accelerators and Medical Physics provides in-depth and comprehensive coverage of the basic concepts in x-ray therapy, electron beam therapy, particle therapy, boron neutron capture therapy, and molecular imaging and therapy. Novel technologies such as FLASH therapy and laser ion accelerator are also introduced. Each section of the book presents the current state of accelerators, irradiation methods and therapy technologies, as well as future trends in advanced research. This book will serve as a key resource for researchers and students to find all information on latest cancer radiotherapy technologies and methods. - Offers a deep dive into fundamental accelerator and medical physics techniques and technologies used in cancer radiotherapy - Considers updated status at hospitals and clinical facilities, and future research trends - Covers advanced research, development and novel technologies - Chapters written by experts from the Particle Accelerator Society of Japan(PASJ) and the Japan Society of Medical Physics (JSMP)

This book provides a radiotherapy perspective on the management of brain metastases with case-based discussion. This management has been rapidly evolving in the face of changing technology, progressing systemic therapy, and paradigm changes that all impact practice. These changes can be difficult, and this text gives a practical approach to help practitioners and trainees understand these changes and incorporate them into their practices. The work has two main sections: Clinical and Technical. The clinical section has chapters that address all aspects of radiation therapy for brain metastases, including integrating advances in surgery and drug treatments. The technical section focuses on the “how to” aspects of treatment, including treatment planning and delivery. This is an ideal guide for practicing radiation oncologists and trainees.