Main description:

This book reviews the principles and applications of radiotherapy in the management of pediatric brain tumors to allow the reader to gain a full appreciation of the major aspects involved in caring for these patients. Individual sections are devoted to basic principles, specific management for the full range of tumor entities, radiotherapy techniques, and potential toxicities and their management. The book is written and edited by world leaders in pediatric radiotherapy, and care has been taken to cover the latest advances in diagnosis and radiotherapy techniques.

Pediatric brain tumors represent a diverse group of neoplasms that require carefully planned management for successful definitive treatment. Radiotherapy is one of the fundamental components in treatment for the majority of these vulnerable patients. The optimal radiation therapy approach will depend on multiple factors, including tumor type and location, extent of disease, age of the patient, and other therapies. A

thorough understanding of the natural history of the disease, communication with the multidisciplinary team, full knowledge of available radiotherapy techniques, and consideration of potential acute and late toxicities are therefore essential for each patient.

Contents:

Part I: Basic Priciples:

Historical Perspective

Epidemiology

Pathology

Radiology

Neurosurgery

Chemotherapy

Part II: Embryonal Brain Tumors:

Medulloblastoma

SPNET

ATR/ETANTR (EMTR)

Part III: Ependymoma

Part IV: Glial Tumors:

Low Grade Glioma

Optic Pathway

High Grade Glioma

Brainstem Glioma

Craniopharyngioma

Part V: Germ Cell Tumors:

Germinoma

NGGCT

Part VI: Miscellaneous Tumors:

CNS Leukemia

Retinoblastoma

Spinal Tumors

Choroid Plexus Carcinoma

Skull Base Tumor

Pituitary Tumors

Brain Mets

Part VII: Radiotherapy Practice:

Immobilization

Image Guidance

Conformal RT

Particle Therapy

Craniopsinal Irradiation

Radiosurgery and HFRT

Re-irradiation

Part VIII: Radiotherapy Toxicity and Management:Ne

urocognitive

Endocrine

Vision

Hearing

Vascular and Brain

Susequent malignancy

Ethics of Treating Young Children