- Provides comprehensive physical and biological understanding of proton beam radiotherapy
- Elucidates the background of the clinical application of proton beams
- Enriches comprehension of the theoretical underpinning of proton beam radiotherapy
This book offers a comprehensive, practical guide to understanding the physical and biological characteristics of proton beam radiotherapy.
The application of proton beams to the treatment of solid cancers has expanded exponentially over the last decade due to their physical properties, which make it possible to administer higher doses of radiation to lesions with only a minimum dose to the surrounding healthy tissues. Accordingly, understanding the basic aspects of proton beam radiotherapy is a primary concern not only for medical physicists and radiation biologists, but also for all physicians involved in cancer treatment using proton beams.
The major aspects discussed include the technique’s development background, the generation and delivery system for proton beams, physical characteristics, biological consequences, dosimetry, and future prospects in both medical physics and radiation biology in terms of effective cancer treatment. Gathering contributions from experts who provide clear and detailed information on the basics of proton beams, the book will greatly benefit not only radiological technicians, medical physicists, and physicians, but also scientists in cancer radiotherapy.
Table of Contents- Discovery of the Proton and Its Intrinsic Powers
- Early History of Biology and Clinical Application of Proton Beam Therapy
- The Current Status of Proton Beam Therapy
- Physical Characteristics of Proton Beams
- Dosimetry of Proton Beams
- Track Structure and Microdosimetry of Proton Beams
- Qualitative Comparison of Proton Beams and Other Radiotherapy Beams
- Accelerator Systems for Proton Radiotherapy
- Beam Delivery System for Proton Radiotherapy
- Treatment Planning System for Proton Radiotherapy
- Motion Management
- Quality Assurance for Proton Beam Radiotherapy
- Current Topics of Proton Radiobiology
- Energy Deposition of Proton Beams in Cells
- DNA Damage, Repair Mechanisms, and Chromosomal Aberrations
- Relative Biological Effectiveness and Fractionation of Proton-Beam Therapy
- Technological Developing Issues and the Future of Proton Beam Therapy
