Principles and Parctice of Proton Beam Therapy

Abstract

Proton therapy has been used in radiation therapy for over 70 years, but within the last decade its use in clinics has grown exponentially. This book fills in the proton therapy gap by focusing on the physics of proton therapy, including beam production, proton interactions, biology, dosimetry, treatment planning, quality assurance, commissioning, motion management, and uncertainties. From Niek Schreuder in Medical Physics…"This book is a well-composed compendium of papers that serves as a comprehensive textbook for Medical Physicists and other professionals practicing in the field of proton therapy. The editors selected scholars with detailed knowledge in their specific areas to cover the most important areas of proton therapy. This book is highly recommended as an essential tool in the arsenal of the proton therapy medical physicist." Chapters are written by the world's leading medical physicists who work at the pioneering proton treatment centers around the globe. They share their understandings after years of experience treating thousands of patients. Case studies involving specific cancer treatments show that there is some art to proton therapy as well as state-of-the-art science. Even though the focus lies on proton therapy, the content provided is also valuable to heavy charged particle therapy. The book is tailored mainly to clinical physicists, who might use this as a textbook in the fast-growing field of proton therapy. Furthermore, this book provides up-to-date references to the scientific literature on each aspect of proton therapy covered in its 28 chapters. The book also includes an appendix of proton therapy nomenclature.