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.

Expanding on the highly successful first edition, this second edition of Proton Therapy Physics has been completely restructured and updated throughout, and includes several new chapters. Suitable for both newcomers in medical physics and more seasoned specialists in radiation oncology, this book provides an in-depth overview of the physics of this radiation therapy modality, eliminating the need to dig through information scattered across medical physics literature. After tracing the history of proton therapy, the book explores the atomic and nuclear physics background necessary for understanding proton interactions with tissue. The text then covers dosimetry, including beam delivery, shielding aspects, computer simulations, detector systems and measuring techniques for reference dosimetry. Important for daily operations, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and monitor unit calibrations are outlined. 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. Imaging for treatment guidance as well as treatment monitoring is outlined. Finally, the biological implications of using protons from a physics perspective are discussed. This book is an ideal practical guide for physicians, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and physicists who already have some experience in radiation oncology. It is also an invaluable reference for graduate students in medical physics programs, physicians in their last year of medical school or residency, and those considering a career in medical physics. Features: Updated with the latest technologies and methods in the field, covering all delivery methods of proton therapy, including beam scanning and passive scattering Discusses clinical aspects, such as treatment planning and quality assurance Offers insight on the past, present, and future of proton therapy from a physics perspective

Expand your understanding of the physics and practical clinical applications of advanced radiation therapy technologies with Khan's The Physics of Radiation Therapy, 5th edition, the book that set the standard in the field. This classic full-color text helps the entire radiation therapy team—radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists—develop a thorough understanding of 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), high dose-rate remote afterloaders (HDR), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and proton beam therapy, as well as the physical concepts underlying treatment planning, treatment delivery, and dosimetry. In preparing this new Fifth Edition, Dr. Kahn and new co-author Dr. John Gibbons made chapter-by-chapter revisions in the light of the latest developments in the field, adding new discussions, a new chapter, and new color illustrations throughout. Now even more precise and relevant, this edition is ideal as a reference book for practitioners, a textbook for students, and a constant companion for those preparing for their board exams. Features Stay on top of the latest advances in the field with new sections and/or discussions of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and the Failure Mode Event Analysis (FMEA) approach to quality assurance. Deepen your knowledge of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) through a completely new chapter that covers SBRT in greater detail. Expand your visual understanding with new full color illustrations that reflect current practice and depict new procedures. Access the authoritative information you need fast through the new companion website which features fully searchable text and an image bank for greater convenience in studying and teaching. This is the tablet version which does not include access to the supplemental content mentioned in the text.

Proton and Carbon Ion Therapy is an up-to-date guide to using proton and carbon ion therapy in modern cancer treatment. The book covers the physics and radiobiology basics of proton and ion beams, dosimetry methods and radiation measurements, and treatment delivery systems. It gives practical guidance on patient setup, target localization, and treatment planning for clinical proton and carbon ion therapy. The text also offers detailed reports on the treatment of pediatric cancers, lymphomas, and various other cancers. After an overview, the book focuses on the fundamental aspects of proton and carbon ion therapy equipment, including accelerators, gantries, and delivery systems. It then discusses dosimetry, biology, imaging, and treatment planning basics and provides clinical guidelines on the use of proton and carbon ion therapy for the treatment of specific cancers. Suitable for anyone involved with medical physics and radiation therapy, this book offers a balanced and critical assessment of state-of-the-art technologies, major challenges, and the future outlook of proton and carbon ion therapy. It presents a thorough introduction for those new to the field while providing a helpful, up-to-date reference for readers already using the therapy in clinical settings.

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.

This book addresses the most relevant aspects of radiation oncology in terms of technical integrity, dose parameters, machine and software specifications, as well as regulatory requirements. Radiation oncology is a unique field that combines physics and biology. As a result, it has not only a clinical aspect, but also a physics aspect and biology aspect, all three of which are inter-related and critical to optimal radiation treatment planning. In addition, radiation oncology involves a host of machines/software. One needs to have a firm command of these machines and their specifications to deliver comprehensive treatment. However, this information is not readily available, which poses serious challenges for students learning the planning aspect of radiation therapy. In response, this book compiles these relevant aspects in a single source. Radiation oncology is a dynamic field, and is continuously evolving. However, tracking down the latest findings is both difficult and time-consuming. Consequently, the book also comprehensively covers the most important trials. Offering an essential ready reference work, it represents a value asset for all radiation oncology practitioners, trainees and students.