Advances in Radiation Biology, Volume18: Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems, Part IV focuses on the sensitivity of certain human organ systems to radiation exposure. This book discusses the radiation sensitivity of the prostate and radiation therapy of its tumors; clinical radiobiology and normal-tissue morbidity after breast cancer treatment; and approach to optimal therapy and normal-tissue sparing. The fractionation sensitivity of mammalian tissues; trends for improving radiation sensitivity by counteracting chronic and acute hypoxia; and predictive assays in radiation therapy are also elaborated. This publication likewise covers the basic cellular radiobiology and its significance for radiation therapy and classical theoretical approaches to cellular radiosensitivity. This volume is beneficial to clinicians and students intending to gain knowledge of the radiation sensitivities of human organ systems.

Advances in Radiation Biology: Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems, Part III, is the third volume of the series "Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems." It presents reviews of organ systems not included in the preceding two parts (Advances in Radiation Biology, Volumes 12 and 14). The subject matter contained in the current volume is viewed through the eyes of the radiation therapist. Although the presentations have strong clinical overtones, an effort has been made, wherever possible, also to address the radiobiological bases of radiation sensitivity of organs. The book contains seven chapters and begins with a study on radiation damage to the kidney. This is followed by separate chapters on inherent or intrinsic radiosensitivity of human cells; the impact of brachytherapy (i.e., short-distance radiation treatment using photon radiation) on tumors; and human tissue tolerance to fast neutron radiotherapy. Subsequent chapters deal with normal tissue effects of combined hyperthermia and radiotherapy; the impact of ionizing radiation on the successive stages of human development in utero; and developments in theoretical knowledge and practical applications of ionizing radiations which have taken place in a little less than a century.

Advances in Radiation Biology, Volume 12: Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems covers articles on the response of selected human organ and tissue systems to exposure to ionizing radiation. The book presents articles on the relative radiosensitivities of the thymus, spleen, lymphohemopoietic systems, small and large intestines, oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus. The text also includes articles on the relative radiation sensitivity of the integumentary system, as well as the relative radiosensitivity of the human lung and fetal tissues. The tolerance of the central and peripheral nervous system to therapeutic irradiation is also encompassed. Radiation biologists, oncologists, physicians, pediatricians, and medical students will find the book useful.

Advances in Radiation Biology, Volume 14: Relative Radiation Sensitivities of Human Organ Systems, Part II focuses on radiation sensitivities of particular human organ systems. The sensitivities are then assessed based on the severity and the rapidity in which the effects of radiation manifest. The opening chapter surveys the clinical and experimental data on approaches toward the prevention of bladder complications in clinical radiotherapy. A discussion on HeLa cells, which are of special importance in human cervical cancer therapy, is then presented. In presenting this topic, this book emphasizes radiation sensitivity and radiobiology of tumors of the cervix of the female genital tract. Chapter 3 briefly covers imaging techniques for hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction diagnosis and introduces hormonal therapy for remarkable improvements in both physical and mental status of patients. The subsequent chapters discuss basic radiobiology of the thyroid in experimental animal and the late effects of therapeutic and low-level radiation in humans. The radiation damages in bone and cartilage and the changes occurring in the various types of vessels during radiation therapy are also discussed. Chapter 7 presents the basic biology of spermatogenesis, as it applies to the understanding of radiation effects. This chapter also explains the studies of rodents, as it applies to subhuman primates and to man. Moreover, it considers as well the mechanisms of radiation damage to the testis, as elucidated by experimental studies of rodents and subhuman primates. Finally, it presents the limited data available on man and discusses these data in terms of the biology of the system known from experimental studies. The concluding chapter describes the features of radiation-induced hepatic injury, ranging from asymptomatic biochemical or a radiographic abnormality to fulminant, fatal hepatic failure. Radiation biologists will greatly benefit from this book, especially those who are involved in dose fractionation in radiation therapy.