Series in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
2nd Edition
by Harald Paganetti (Editor)
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
