On-treatment verification imaging has developed rapidly in recent years and is now at the heart of image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and all aspects of radiotherapy planning and treatment delivery. This is the first book dedicated to just this important topic, which is written in an accessible manner for undergraduate and graduate therapeutic radiography (radiation therapist) students and trainee medical physicists and clinicians. The later sections of the book will also help established medical physicists, therapeutic radiographers, and radiation therapists familiarise themselves with developing and cutting-edge techniques in IGRT. Features: Clinically focused and internationally applicable; covering a wide range of topics related to on-treatment verification imaging for the study of IGRT Accompanied by a library of electronic teaching and assessment resources for further learning and understanding Authored by experts in the field with over 18 years’ experience of pioneering the original forms of on-treatment verification imaging in radiotherapy (electronic portal imaging) in clinical practice, as well as substantial experience of teaching the techniques to trainees

This publication serves as a useful guide for medical physicists in radiation oncology, radiation oncologists and radiation therapists, ensuring accuracy, safety and quality in radiation therapy. Record and verify systems (RVSs) were developed to reduce the risk of treatment errors in radiation oncology. These have recently evolved into complete radiotherapy information management systems that interface with imaging systems, treatment planning computers, and treatment delivery systems. To function as intended, RVSs must be subject to a comprehensive quality assurance (QA) program. This publication provides practical guidelines for a comprehensive QA programme and its implementation. It describes the QA program, including acceptance tests and the commissioning process that should be used in conjunction with the installation of a new RVS. It is also highlighted that some of the tests performed at installation must be repeated regularly as part of the periodic quality control checks.

This book addresses the day-to-day treatment planning issues that radiation oncologists are likely to encounter during the treatment of breast cancer patients and provides numerous practical “tips” that will assist in navigation of the treatment planning process, from delineation of the tumor boundaries to discrimination of adjacent normal tissues and critical structures at risk of radiation injury. Differences in target delineation and treatment planning according to technique are emphasized, with coverage of conventional radiation therapy and advanced techniques including cardiac-sparing approaches, e.g., using active breathing control, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, proton beam therapy, and electron beam therapy post mastectomy. Individual chapters also focus on radiation setup and verification techniques and radiation treatment planning systems. The book, which is part of the Springer series Practical Guides in Radiation Oncology, is designed for hands-on use by radiation oncology residents/fellows in training and practicing radiation oncologists.

Cancer treatment is complex and calls for a diverse set of services. Radiation therapy is recognized as an essential tool in the cure and palliation of cancer. Currently, access to radiation treatment is limited in many countries and non-existent in some. This lack of radiation therapy resources exacerbates the burden of disease and underscores the continuing health care disparity among States. Closing this gap represents an essential measure in addressing this global health equity problem. This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the major topics and issues to be taken into consideration when planning a strategy to address this problem, in particular in low and middle income countries. With contributions from leaders in the field, it provides an introduction to the achievements and issues of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment modality around the world. Dedicated chapters focus on the new radiotherapy technologies, proton beams, carbon ion, intraoperative radiotherapy, radiotherapy for children, treatment of HIV-AIDS malignancies, and costing and quality management issues.

- Summarizes the state of the art in the most relevant areas of medical physics and engineering applied to radiation oncology - Covers all relevant areas of the subject in detail, including 3D imaging and image processing, 3D treatment planning, modern treatment techniques, patient positioning, and aspects of verification and quality assurance - Conveys information in a readily understandable way that will appeal to professionals and students with a medical background as well as to newcomers to radiation oncology from the field of physics

This publication provides guidance for designing and implementing radiotherapy programmes, taking into account clinical, medical physics, radiation protection and safety aspects. It reflects current requirements for radiotherapy infrastructure in settings with limited resources. It will be of use to professionals involved in the development, implementation and management of radiotherapy programmes