Main description:

This book is a concise and well-illustrated review of the physics and biology of radiation therapy intended for radiation oncology residents, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and physicists. It presents topics that are included on the Radiation Therapy Physics and Biology examinations and is designed with the intent of presenting information in an easily digestible format with maximum retention in mind. The inclusion of mnemonics, rules of thumb, and reader-friendly illustrations throughout the book help to make difficult concepts easier to grasp. Basic Radiotherapy Physics and Biology is a valuable reference for students and prospective students in every discipline of radiation oncology.

Feature:

​Easy-to-read handbook covering the physics and biology of radiation therapy

Reviews to topics included on the radiation oncology, medical dosimetry, and radiation therapy board exams

Presents concepts in a step-by-step format featuring mnemonics, cartoons, and rules of thumb

Back cover:

This book is a concise and well-illustrated review of the physics and biology of radiation therapy intended for radiation oncology residents, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and physicists. It presents topics that are included on the Radiation Therapy Physics and Biology examinations and is designed with the intent of presenting information in an easily digestible format with maximum retention in mind. The inclusion of mnemonics, rules of thumb, and reader-friendly illustrations throughout the book help to make difficult concepts easier to grasp. Basic Radiotherapy Physics and Biology is a valuable reference for students and prospective students in every discipline of radiation oncology.    

Contents:

Part I  Radiation Therapy Physics

1        Atomic and Nuclear Structure

2        Radioactive Decay

3        Properties and Production of Radiation

4        Interactions of Electromagnetic Radiation with Matter

5        Interactions of Particulate Radiation with Matter

6        Quantification and Measurement of Dose

7        Characteristics of Photon Beams

8        Dosimetry of Photon Beams in Water

9        Dosimetry of Photon Beams in a Patient

10    Dosimetry of Electron Beams

11    Physics and Dosimetry of Brachytherapy

12    Advanced Treatment Planning for EBRT

13    Linac Quality Assurance

14    Radiation Protection and Safety

15    Quality Management Program

16    Special Topics: Hyperthermia and Computers

Part II   Radiation Therapy Biology          

17    Molecular Biology and Signaling

18    Cancer Genetic and Molecular Characteristics

19    Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Damage and Repair

20    Cell Death and Survival Assays

21    Fractionated Radiation Survival Models

22    Oxygen Effect, Relative Biological Effectiveness and Linear Energy Transfer

23    Tumor Microenvironment

24    Cell and Tissue Kinetics

25    Acute Effects of Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

26    Normal Tissue Radiation Responses

27    Therapeutic Ratio

28    Combined Modality Therapy

30    Hyperthermia

31    Carcinogenesis and Heritable Effects

32    Radiation Effects in the Embryo and Fetus

Appendix A   Glossary of Terms and Physical Constants