The Fourth Edition of this landmark work features nine new chapters and has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect contemporary findings. It is the only text that covers every important aspect of radiation oncology--from basic cancer biology, radiation biology, and radiation therapy physics to state-of-the-art treatment regimens for all cancer sites and tumor types and discussions of results. Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology is designed to provide a better understanding of the natural history of cancer, the physical methods of radiation application, the effects of irradiation on normal tissues, and the most judicious ways in which radiation therapy can be employed in the treatment of cancer patients. This encyclopedic text places greater emphasis on the use of radiation oncology in palliative and supportive care, in addition to therapy. Included in the new edition: chapters on molecular biology and physiology, technology assessment and cost benefit, combined chemotherapy and irradiation in head and neck cancer, breast: stage Tis, pancreas, leukemias (adult and childhood), retinoblastoma, unusual tumors in childhood, and endovascular brachytherapy. This edition also features expanded coverage of new 3-D techniques and IMRT and a greater emphasis on pediatric concerns.
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 19-MAY-04, Volume 291, Issue 19 -- "The impressive stable of contributors interrelate the important disciplines of chemotherapy and surgery with ionizing radiations. The text meshes these disciplines with another in outstanding fashion. Increased use of color plates is most helpful in delineating isodose distributions in the newer techniques of intensity-modulated radiation therapy and three-dimensional conformal treatment. Also, a superbly illustrated new chapter deals with the pathophysiology of solid tumors. There is little to nitpick in this massive tome. Extremely well-written and completely updated new edition."-JAMA Doody's Book Review Service -- "Continues its tradition of providing extensive in-depth and up-to-date information spanning all aspects of radiation oncology. The editors and authors have done an outstanding job of implementing many new chapters addressing the changing technology and tumor biology and providing clear, concise information on the wide variety of malignancies encountered in clinical practice. This book is a must for practicing radiation oncologists and radiation oncology residents. It will not disappoint the reader."-Doody's Book Review-5 Star Review
