This unrivalled and comprehensive volume discusses the general background and various clinical applications of radiation therapy in the treatment of non-malignant diseases. It documents the radiobiological and physical principles of treatment and the rationale underlying the use of radiotherapy for various disorders of the CNS. In so doing, it draws attention to and elucidates the scope for application of radiotherapy beyond the treatment of malignancies. Both the risks and the benefits of such treatment are fully considered. With the assistance of many tables and figures, the extensive data from clinical studies are presented in a well-structured and informative way. Since it offers an interdisciplinary perspective, it will be of interest to radiotherapists and many other practitioners and medical specialists, e.g. orthopedists, surgeons, and ophthalmologists.
This volume discusses the general background, radiobiology, radiophysics and clinical applications of radiation therapy in the treatment of non-malignant diseases. Within 39 chapters, it documents the rationale and indications for the use of state-of-the-art radiotherapy for various non-malignant disorders of the CNS, head and neck, eye, skin and soft tissues, bone and joints, and the vascular system. In so doing, it draws attention to and elucidates the scope for application of radiotherapy beyond the treatment of malignancies. Both the risks and the benefits of such treatment are fully considered, the former ranging from minor clinical problems to life-threatening diseases. With the assistance of many tables and colored figures, the extensive data from clinical studies are presented in a well-structured and informative way. Each chapter concludes with a list of key points, allowing the reader to quickly comprehend the main facts. Since this approach offers an interdisciplinary perspective, this book will be of interest not only to radiotherapists but also to many other practitioners and medical specialists, for example orthopedists, surgeons, and ophthalmologists.
From the reviews:
"This all-inclusive book addressing benign conditions that can be treated with radiation covers first principles for the radiobiology and physics associated with treatment and its delivery and then details the conditions, treatment options, and techniques of therapy. ? the book is designed for practitioners and all medical specialists, particularly radiation oncologists, orthopedists, surgeons, and ophthalmologists. ? an important addition to the literature for radiation oncologists as well as for a broad range of specialists. This is an outstanding resource for residents and clinicians ? ." (Ann Pittier, Doody's Review Service, May, 2008)
"The chapter in the textbook entitled Radiotherapy for Non-Malignant Disorders that covers the treatment of nonmalignant central nervous system (CNS) disorders by using ionizing radiation is a well-written, concise, and organized accounting of the current state of the art for physicians and residents in neurosurgery, neurology, neuro-oncology, medical physics, and radiation oncology. ? is an excellent reference guide for any clinical member of the treatment team for these diseases." (American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol. 29, November-December, 2008)
