Physics of Radiology

Author:  Anthony B. Wolbarst
ISBN:  9780944838952
Published:  1993 | 461 pp. | Hardcover


OUT OF PRINT

  
  




Canadian Medical Physics Newsletter  |  July 1998


"This book focuses exclusively on external photon beam radiotherapy. The first four chapters (Chapters 1-4) describe the linac components, the production and interaction of electron and photons with matter, the dosimetry of x-rays and the properties of x-ray beams. The last four chapters (Chapters 5-8) describe x-ray radiotherapy treatment planning, modeling of photon beams, inhomogeneity corrections, recent developments in photon algorithms such as Monte Carlo and convolution methods and finally, topics in tumor and normal tissue response.

"The book covers all aspects of linear accelerator based x-ray production, dosimetry and use of x-rays for treatment planning. Detailed descriptions of medical linear accelerators along with extensive dosimetry instrumentation is a strong point, supplemented with a large number of figures and equations. The topic of inhomogeneity corrections is well presented. Newcomers to the field will appreciate the succinct treatment of stereotactic radiosurgery (linac based) and Monte Carlo and convolution/superposition algorithms. There is a fine introduction to the biological parameters useful for treatment planning optimization. All the chapters are supported by an extensive and recent reference section which I personally found very useful especially on x-ray dosimetry equipment and techniques and, on the photon algorithms.

"The book does not cover radiotherapy topics such as electron beam dosimetry, therapy or brachytherapy physics and techniques. The overall approach of the authors to x-ray radiotherapy physics is more theoretical than clinical when compared to other texts. However, it does include the basic patient dosimetry systems and calculations.

"'The Physics of Radiotherapy X-Rays from Linear Accelerators' is an excellent reference for anyone wishing to get a good introduction to modern x-ray radiotherapy physics, algorithms and dosimetry instrumentation. Professionals in radiotherapy such as dosimetrists and planners, who wish to update their knowledge, will find it an excellent resource on treatment planning algorithms and inhomogeneity corrections."
Dimitris N. Mihailidis, Ph.D.