Physical Aspects of Stereotactic Radiosurgery / Edition 1

by M.H. Phillips

Overview

When I first proposed this book, one of the hopes was that it would be the stage upon which would be conducted a quiet, well­ reasoned discussion of the various techniques of stereotactic radio­ surgery. At that time, there was quite a bit of rancorous debate that tended to obscure the scientific and medical merits of each of the separate methods. At the present time, I am happy to report that the field of stereotactic radiosurgery is much less riven by such inappropriate posturing. The field has taken many steps towards maturity, both technically and medically. In the course of this mat­ uration process, there have been many grandiose plans and speeches made on behalf of stereotactic radiosurgery. Inevitably, the reality will not live up to the hype, but such is the natural course of development in these sorts of matters. However, even though events may not match our hopes, we should keep in mind the words of Herbert Parker. Recognizing that new modalities for the treatment of cancer do not stand much chance of revolutionary success, nevertheless, he quite correctly pointed out that " . . . with any type of radiatiQn, the margin between success and failure is small. If the chance of success is a little greater . . . thi~ might well be classed as a great advance. " Mark H.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306445354
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	07/31/1993
Edition description:	1993
Pages:	286
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Phillips, Mark H., PhD (Univ of Washington)

The contributors represent the specialties of radiation oncology, medical physics, and radiology. Most come from the U.S., but two are from Europe. Three of the contributors are affiliated with UCSF and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory in Berkeley, CA.

Table of Contents

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (M.H. Phillips). Charged Particle Method (K.A. Frankel, M.H. Phillips). Focussed Gamma Radiation (J. Arndt). Focussed XRadiation (G.H. Hartmann). Biologic Basis for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (R.P. Levy et al.). Clinical Applications of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (R.P. Levy, J.I. Fabricant). Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Bharat B. Mittal, MD (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)
Description: This is the first edition of a book that is sorely needed, given the growth of radiosurgery facilities across the U.S. It provides an overview of the basic physics of radiosurgery, a detailed description by leading experts of the three methodologies encompassing radiosurgery (particles, the gamma knife, and linac radiosurgery), the radiobiological rationale for radiosurgery, and a pertinent clinical review of the current status of radiological therapy.
Purpose: This well-edited and organized book is intended to introduce radiation oncologists and physicists to the fundamentals of stereotactic radiosurgery; it provides both adequate depth and breadth for an introductory text.
Audience: In addition to serving the targeted audience of radiation oncologists and physicists, this book would integrate well into a radiation oncology residency physics course as a supplement to the standard texts.
Features: This book contains pertinent tables, charts, diagrams, and figures that are listed in order by chapter for easy reference after the table of contents; this is a very helpful and time-saving addition to the routine index. Unfortunately, some of the planning images reproduce poorly and are very small, making them difficult to interpret. This lessens their value, detracting from the overall quality of the book. Such figures would be well worth revising. Although the references overall are thorough and up-to-d ate, the gamma knife chapter references are somewhat limited in comparison and would benefit from additional listings.
Assessment: This book is basic; it provides solid fundamentals. It is an excellent vehicle by which to introduce oneself to radiosurgery. It also serves as a handy reference tool.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

This is the first edition of a book that is sorely needed, given the growth of radiosurgery facilities across the U.S. It provides an overview of the basic physics of radiosurgery, a detailed description by leading experts of the three methodologies encompassing radiosurgery (particles, the gamma knife, and linac radiosurgery), the radiobiological rationale for radiosurgery, and a pertinent clinical review of the current status of radiological therapy. This well-edited and organized book is intended to introduce radiation oncologists and physicists to the fundamentals of stereotactic radiosurgery; it provides both adequate depth and breadth for an introductory text. In addition to serving the targeted audience of radiation oncologists and physicists, this book would integrate well into a radiation oncology residency physics course as a supplement to the standard texts. This book contains pertinent tables, charts, diagrams, and figures that are listed in order by chapter for easy reference after the table of contents; this is a very helpful and time-saving addition to the routine index. Unfortunately, some of the planning images reproduce poorly and are very small, making them difficult to interpret. This lessens their value, detracting from the overall quality of the book. Such figures would be well worth revising. Although the references overall are thorough and up-to-d ate, the gamma knife chapter references are somewhat limited in comparison and would benefit from additional listings. This book is basic; it provides solid fundamentals. It is an excellent vehicle by which to introduce oneself to radiosurgery. It also serves as a handy reference tool.

Bharat B. Mittal

Explains the physical principles of stereotactic radiosurgery and describes the role they play in the treatment of patients--for both physicians and physicists who are using or plan to use stereotactic radiosurgery. A fundamental aim of the volume is to present a comprehensive and unbiased description of the basic physical aspects of each of the methods used in stereotactic surgery, and to this end each method is described by scientists involved in its development and implementation. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews