Main description:

Radiation medicine has progressed from a volume and anatomical landmark-guided approach to an image-and function-guided therapy. It takes into account possible routes of tumour spread, biologically active tumour volumes and critical normal structures lying in or near target volumes with a focus on delivering maximal tumoricidal doses while sparing the surrounding normal structures. Radiation oncology has advanced rapidly with introduction of better diagnostic tools, immobilization methods and treatment machines. Now, instead of treating large regional volumes, the field is fashioned and the dose is sculpted depending on the tumour volume, location and activity. Newer imaging modalities enable near-and real-time tracking of tumour even during delivery of radiation.

Feature:

A practical guide for radiation oncologists on how to design and deliver radiotherapy and brachytherapy

Describes principles of application in short crisp chapters enabling clinicians to quickly get the information they need

Provides information on latest modalities of radiotherapy Includes chapters on role of concurrent and sequential chemotherapy and use of bio molecules with radiotherapy

Covers management of post-treatment problems and radiation-related toxicity

Back cover:

Radiation medicine has progressed from a volume and anatomical landmark-guided approach to an image-and function-guided therapy. It takes into account possible routes of tumour spread, biologically active tumour volumes, and critical normal structures lying in or near target volumes with a focus on delivering maximal tumoricidal doses while sparing the surrounding normal structures. Radiation oncology has advanced rapidly with introduction of better diagnostic tools, immobilization methods, and treatment machines. Now, instead of treating large regional volumes, the field is fashioned and the dose is sculpted depending on the tumour volume, location and activity. Newer imaging modalities enable near-and real-time tracking of tumour even during delivery of radiation.

Contents:

Epidemiology: Cancer Epidemiology and Radiotherapy.- Approaching a Cancer Patient: Taking a decision and ordering investigations.- When to prefer Surgery.- When to use Radiotherapy.- When to use chemotherapy.- Principles of management of cancer in paediatric patients.- Palliative care.- Principles of Application of Radiotherapy: Radiobiological principles.- Patient positioning and simulation: Dos and Don’ts.- Planning a patient; deciding on the volumes and fields; plan verification.- Conformal Radiotherapy.- Prescribing a radiotherapy schedule and dose fractionation.- Evaluating a treatment plan.- When to plan for brachytherapy.- Brachytherapy planning and evaluation.- Planning electron therapy and evaluation of plans.- Planning Stereotactic and adaptive radiotherapy.- Intra-operative Radiotherapy.-Particle beam therapy: a quick view.- Use of Other Agents with Radiation: Using concurrent or sequential chemotherapy and biomolecules.- Use of radio-sensitizers and radio-protectors.- Managing Radiotherapy: Expected complications during treatment.- Management of oral mucosal reactions and oro-dental care.- Management of skin reactions.- Management of GI complications.- Managing local pain.- Management of Bone marrow toxicity.- Managing Radiation induced fibrosis/edema/ascites.- Dietary care and support during radiotherapy.- Post treatment evaluation and advice for follow up evaluation.- Psychosocial issues in patients undergoing radiotherapy.