Table of Contents

* Preface* Acknowledgments* Chapter 1-Medical Linear Accelerators*1.1 Introduction*1.2 Principles of Operation*1.3 Klystrons and Magnetrons*1.4 Electron Gun14*1.5 Accelerator Waveguide*1.6 Beam Delivery*1.7 Collimation*1.8 Wedges*1.9 Compensators*1.10 Electronic Portal Imaging Devices* 1.11 On-Board Imaging Devices* 1.12 Helical Tomotherapy*1.13 Gamma Knife and CyberKnifeReferences* Questions* Chapter 2-Interaction Properties of X-Rays and Electrons*2.1 Introduction*2.2 Cross Sections and Attenuation Coefficients* 2.3 Photon Interaction Processes*2.4 Photon Beam Transport*2.5 Electron Interactions*2.6 Absorbed DoseReferences* Questions* Chapter 3-Dosimetry of Megavoltage X-Rays and Electrons* 3.1 Introduction: Why Measure Dose?*3.2 The Ideal Dosimeter: Some Definitions*3.3 Radiotherapy Dosimetry Phantoms* 3.4 Theory of Ionization Chamber Dosimetry*3.5 Ionization Chambers: Commercial Chambers and Electrometers*3.6 Semiconductor Detectors* 3.7 Thermoluminescent Dosimeters*3.8 Film Dosimetry* 3.9 Other Means of Dosimetry*3.10 Dosimeter Overview* References* Questions* Chapter 4-X-Ray Beam Properties*4.1 Introduction*4.2 Calibration Field Factors*4.3 Build-up Region* 4.4 Percentage Depth Dose* 4.5 Isocentric Dose Ratios*4.6 Beam Dose Profiles* 4.7 Attenuation and Shielding*4.8 A Few Comments on kV X-Rays* References* Questions* Chapter 5-Linear Accelerator Electron Beam Properties* 5.1 Introduction* 5.2 Characterization of a Clinical Electron Beam* 5.3 Depth Doses and Profiles*5.4 Electron Applicators and Cut-outs*5.5 Small and Irregular Fields* 5.6 Variations in Geometry* 5.7 Inhomogeneities* 5.8 Typical Electron Beam Applications*5.9 A Few Comments on Protons* References* Questions* Chapter 6-Radiotherapy Treatment Planning: X-Rays* 6.1 Introduction* 6.2 Isodose Curves*6.3 Monitor Unit Calculations*6.4 Classical Simulation*6.5 Computed Tomography Simulation* 6.6 Other Treatment Planning Aids* 6.7 Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Hardware*6.8 Dose Display* 6.9 Dose-Volume Histograms*6.10 Defining Treatment Planning Volumes* References* Questions* Chapter 7-Special Procedures: Stereotactic Radiotherapy and IMRT*7.1 The Rationale for Stereotactic Radiosurgery* 7.2 Clinical Indications for SRS* 7.3 Traditional Stereotactic Targeting* 7.4 Frameless Stereotactic Targeting* 7.5 SRS Treatment Planning* 7.6 MMLC-based Radiosurgery Techniques*7.7 Robotic Radiosurgery: The CyberKnife*7.8 Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy*7.9 The Rationale for IMRT*7.10 Computation of Optimal Intensity Patterns for IMRT*7.11 MLC Leaf Sequences for IMRT*7.12 Dosimetric Properties of MLCs* 7.13 Independent Plan Dosimetry Verification*7.14 Clinical Treatment with IMRT*7.15 Tomotherapy as an IMRT Modality*7.16 Analogy of Tomotherapy to CT Imaging*7.17 The TomoTherapy Hi-Art System(R)* 7.18 Helical TomoTherapy Parameters* 7.19 Clinical Use of Helical TomoTherapy* References* Questions* Chapter 8-Calibration of Megavoltage Photon and Electron Beams* 8.1 Introduction* 8.2 Absolute Dosimetry with Ionization Chambers*8.3 Air-Kerma Calibration-based Protocols*8.4 Dose-to-Water Calibration-based Protocols*8.5 Uncertainty Analysis and Verification* References* Questions* Chapter 9-Beam Models: Part I*9.1 Introduction*9.2 The Milan/Bentley Model*9.3 Inhomogeneity Corrections*9.4 Electron Pencil Beams*9.5 Brachytherapy Source Models* References* Questions* Chapter 10-Beam Models: Part II*10.1 Introduction*10.2 Monte Carlo Simulation*10.3 BEAM* 10.4 Geant4*10.5 Convolutions/Superposition Methods*10.6 Macro Monte Carlo* References* Questions* Chapter 11-Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy*11.1 Introduction*11.2 Definition of Terms*11.3 Equipment That Requires QA*11.4 Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) QA*11.5 Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) QA*11.6 In Vivo Dosimetry* References* Questions* Chapter 12-Patient Immobilization and Image Guidance*12.1 Introduction*12.2 The ICRU Target Definitions*12.3 Patient Setup and Immobilization*12.4 Interfraction Motion Management: Image Guidance*12.5 Intrafraction Motion Management* References* Questions* Chapter 13-Radiation Protection and Room Shielding*13.1 Introduction*13.2 The Framework of ICRP Report 60*13.3 Dose Limits*13.4 Room Shielding* References* Questions* Chapter 14-Tumor and Normal Tissue Response*14.1 Introduction* 14.2 Mechanism of Cell Killing*14.3 Introduction to Radiobiological Models*14.4 The Four Rs of Radiobiology* 14.5 Linear Quadratic Model Including Tumor Proliferation*14.6 Models of Tumor and Normal Tissue Response* 14.7 Equivalent Uniform Dose (EUD)* 14.8 Clinical Trials Definitions* 14.9 Current Issues in Radiobiology* References* Questions* Answers to Chapter Questions* Index