Main description:

Expanding on the highly successful first edition, this second edition of Proton Therapy Physics has been completely restructured and updated throughout, and includes several new chapters. Suitable for both newcomers in medical physics and more seasoned specialists in radiation oncology, this book provides an in-depth overview of the physics of this radiation therapy modality, eliminating the need to dig through information scattered across medical physics literature.

After tracing the history of proton therapy, the book explores the atomic and nuclear physics background necessary for understanding proton interactions with tissue. The text then covers dosimetry, including beam delivery, shielding aspects, computer simulations, detector systems and measuring techniques for reference dosimetry. Important for daily operations, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance and monitor unit calibrations are outlined. The book moves on to discussions of treatment planning for single- and multiple-field uniform doses, dose calculation concepts and algorithms, and precision and uncertainties for nonmoving and moving targets. Imaging for treatment guidance as well as treatment monitoring is outlined. Finally, the biological implications of using protons from a physics perspective are discussed.

This book is an ideal practical guide for physicians, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and physicists who already have some experience in radiation oncology. It is also an invaluable reference for graduate students in medical physics programs, physicians in their last year of medical school or residency, and those considering a career in medical physics.

Features:

Updated with the latest technologies and methods in the field, covering all delivery methods of proton therapy, including beam scanning and passive scattering
Discusses clinical aspects, such as treatment planning and quality assurance
Offers insight on the past, present, and future of proton therapy from a physics perspective

Contents:

1. Proton Therapy: History and Rational 2. Physics of Proton Interactions in Matter 3. Proton Accelerators 4. Characteristics of Clinical Proton Beams 5. Beam Delivery Using Passive Scattering 6. Particle Beam Scanning 7. Secondary Radiation Production and Shielding at Proton Therapy Facilities 8. Monte Carlo Simulations 9. Detectors and Relative Dosimetry 10. Reference Dosimetry and Primary Standards 11. Acceptance Testing and Commissioninn 12. Quality Assurance 13. Monitor Unit Calibration 14. Dose Calculation Algorithms 15. Physics of Treatment Planning for Single-Field Uniform Dose 16. Physics of Treatment Planning Using Scanned Beams 17. Precision and Uncertainties in Planning and Delivery 18. Precision and uncertainties for moving targets 19. Treatment-Planning Optimization 20. Proton Image Guidance 21. In Vivo Dose Verification 22. The Physics of Proton Biology 23. Fully Exploiting the Benefits of Protons: Using Risk Models for Normal Tissue Complications in Treatment Optimization