Principles & Practice of Radiation Oncology 4e

This much needed and anticipated third edition of the primary reference text for radiation oncologists is edited and written by the recognized pioneers and leaders in the field of radiotherapy. The second edition was published in 1992. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of all aspects of radiotherapy, including theoretical principles as well as clinical practice guidelines. It is written primarily for practicing radiation oncologists and radiation oncology residents, although the sections dealing with radiotherapeutic principles are very appropriate for medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiobiologists. The third edition of this broad-based textbook continues the tradition of excellence established in the preceding editions. Most chapters have undergone substantial revision, and as before, include extensive, up-to-date bibliographies. Clinical guidelines for each tumor site, with emphasis on radiotherapy indications and techniques, are generally excellent. New areas of technological innovation such as stereotactic radiosurgery, high dose rate brachytherapy, and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, are now covered in detail separately. The segment describing palliative therapy for the cancer patient has been expanded and reorganized, and includes an excellent chapter on pain management strategies. Sections detailing molecular biologic principles and potential clinical implications have been expanded. The textbook has been given a ''new look'' which generally is quite reader friendly, although the quality of radiograph reproductions on the new non-glossy paper is not as good as that of the previous edition. Some of the figures and tables are inneed of updating to achieve greater consistency with the revised text. This textbook is the most comprehensive tome available in radiation oncology today. It is well-written, well-referenced, and practical, and will serve as the bedrock of the practicing radiation oncologist's reference library.