Proton Therapy and Radiosurgery

by Hans Breuer, Berend J. Smit

Overview

The book is divided into two parts: Part I deals with the relevant physics and planning algorithms of protons (H Breuer) and Part II with the radiobiology, radiopathology and clinical outcomes of proton therapy and a comparison of proton therapy versus photon therapy (BJ Smit). Protons can be used for radiosurgery and general radio­ therapy. Since proton therapy was first proposed in 1946 by Wilson, about sixteen facilities have been built globally. Only a very few of these have isocentric beam delivery systems so that proton therapy is really only now in a position to be compared directly by means of randomised clinical trials, with modern photon radiotherapy therapy sys­ tems, both for radiosurgery and for general fractionated radiotherapy. Three-dimensional proton planning computer systems with image fusion (image of computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance registration) capabilities imaging (MRI), stereotactic angiograms and perhaps positron emission tomography (PET) are essential for accurate proton therapy planning. New planning systems for spot scanning are under development. Many of the older comparisons of the advantageous dose distributions for protons were made with parallel opposing or multiple co-planar field arrangements, which are now largely obsolete. New comparative plans are necessary once more because of the very rapid progress in 3-D conformal planning with photons. New cost-benefit analy­ ses may be needed. Low energy (about 70 MeV) proton therapy is eminently suitable for the treatment of eye tumours and has firmly established itself as very useful in this regard.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783662043011
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	04/17/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Breuer, Hans; Smit, Berend J. (Tygerberg Hospital, Republic of South Africa)

Table of Contents

I Radiation Physics.- A General Aspects.- B Basics.- C Interaction of Protons with Matter.- D Modifying the Proton Beam.- E Conformal Proton Radiotherapy Planning.- II Proton Therapy and Radiotherapy.- F General Aspects of Proton Therapy.- G The Rationale for Proton Therapy.- H Radiobiology.- I. Dose-Volume Relationships in Proton Therapy and Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations, Skull Base Meningiomas and Recurrent Malignant Gliomas.- J Low Energy Proton Beam Therapy for Eye Lesions.- K High Energy Proton Therapy for Tumours in Body Sites other than the Brain.- L Radio surgical Applications of Protons and Photons.- M The Complications of Single Large Intracranial Doses of Radiation and their Management.- N Alternatives to Proton Therapy for Radiosurgery.- O Costs of Proton Therapy and Radiosurgery.- P Appendix.

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

This is a very complete and well-written overview of the medical applications of proton beams. The stated purpose is to be a useful reference to all involved in proton therapy. The audience would include physicians, physicists, and biologists, as well as students and trainees. The scope is quite wide, as expected from its intended use. Diverse topics like basic scattering physics, delivery devices such as gantries and scanning magnets, radiobiology, and clinical applications are covered. The figures are black-and-white, mostly line drawings. Ample use is made of tables throughout the book. The bibliography, while not exhaustive, is appropriate for a book of this type. This book is best used as a reference for people already versed in the field. This is particularly true for a specialist seeking information regarding another sub-specialty, e.g. a physicist looking for an explanation of radiobiological concepts, or a physician interested in the physics of beam delivery. The authors touch upon virtually every issue in the field of proton radiotherapy. Given the wide range of topics, it is not surprising that no field is covered in great detail, and hence this text is not particularly suited for students. The medical applications of proton therapy are discussed, but if that is all readers are seeking, they might be just as well served by some of the review chapters in general radiation oncology textbooks. The explanations and descriptions are easy to follow, and the book is laid out so that it is convenient to find particular topics of discussion. Although there is little in the book that is unique, it is an excellent compendium of proton physics and medical applications, and iswell recommended as a reference book in the field.

Mark H. Phillips

Reviewer: Mark H. Phillips, PhD (University of Washington Medical Center)
Description: This is a very complete and well-written overview of the medical applications of proton beams.
Purpose: The stated purpose is to be a useful reference to all involved in proton therapy.
Audience: The audience would include physicians, physicists, and biologists, as well as students and trainees.
Features: The scope is quite wide, as expected from its intended use. Diverse topics like basic scattering physics, delivery devices such as gantries and scanning magnets, radiobiology, and clinical applications are covered. The figures are black-and-white, mostly line drawings. Ample use is made of tables throughout the book. The bibliography, while not exhaustive, is appropriate for a book of this type.
Assessment: This book is best used as a reference for people already versed in the field. This is particularly true for a specialist seeking information regarding another sub-specialty, e.g. a physicist looking for an explanation of radiobiological concepts, or a physician interested in the physics of beam delivery. The authors touch upon virtually every issue in the field of proton radiotherapy. Given the wide range of topics, it is not surprising that no field is covered in great detail, and hence this text is not particularly suited for students. The medical applications of proton therapy are discussed, but if that is all readers are seeking, they might be just as well served by some of the review chapters in general radiation oncology textbooks. The explanations and descriptions are easy to follow, and the book is laid out so that it is convenient to find particular topics of discussion. Although there is little in the book that is unique, it is an excellent compendium of proton physics and medical applications, and is well recommended as a reference book in the field.

Doody's Review Service