Introduction to clinical radiation oncology

This book discusses the management of cancer by radiation therapy both for cure and palliation. A wide range of clinical topics are introduced. In the introductory chapters on radiation physics and radiobiology, important terms and concepts used in clinical radiation oncology are covered. The subsequent chapters, which form the core of the book, group tumors predominantly according to major physiologic systems or anatomic site. Acute and chronic complications of treatment are listed along with pertinent information regarding their pathogenesis and management. There are also chapters dealing with radiation oncology emergencies, palliative treatment, combined-modality therapy and quality assurance. The radiation safety chapter presents guidelines for radiation protection. Current areas of promising investigation are presented in the final chapter. Individual chapters have been processed separately for inclusion in the appropriate data bases.