This book is a concise and well-illustrated review of the physics and biology of radiation therapy intended for radiation therapists, dosimetrists, radiation oncology residents, and physicists. It presents topics that are included on the radiation therapy physics and biology board examinations and is designed with the intent of presenting information in an easily digestible format with maximum retention in mind. The inclusion of mnemonics, rules of thumb, and reader-friendly illustrations throughout the book help to make difficult concepts easier to grasp. This new edition is updated throughout with the latest information and applications of radiation oncology physics and biology and includes four new chapters. New topics include: MRI linac, proton beam radiotherapy, chemomodulation and immunomodulation of radiation in vitro and in vivo, and stochastic and deterministic late effects. Basic Radiotherapy Physics and Biology is a valuable reference for radiation oncologists, medical professionals in the field, residents, and all students interested in radiation oncology.

Part I: Radiation Therapy Physics

Atomic and Nuclear Structure
Radioactive Decay
Properties and Production of Radiation
Interactions of Electromagnetic Radiation with Matter
Interactions of Particulate Radiation with Matter
Quantification and Measurement of Dose
Characteristics of Photon Beams
Dosimetry of Photon Beams in Water
Dosimetry of Photon Beams in a Patient
Dosimetry of Electron Beams
Physics and Dosimetry of Brachytherapy
Advanced Treatment Planning for EBRT
Linac Quality Assurance
Radiation Protection and Safety
Quality Management Program
Special Topics: Hyperthermia and Computers
MRI linac
Proton Beam Radiotherapy
Part II: Radiation Therapy Biology
Molecular Biology and Signaling
Cancer Genetic and Molecular Characteristics
Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Damage and Repair
Cell Death and Survival Assays
Fractionated Radiation Survival Models
Oxygen Effect, Relative Biological Effectiveness and Linear Energy Transfer
Tumor Micro-environment
Cell and Tissue Kinetics
Acute Effects of Total Body Irradiation (TBI)
Normal Tissue Radiation Responses
Therapeutic Ratio
Combined Modality Therapy
Biology of Brachytherapy, Particle Therapy, and Alternative Radiation Modalities
Chemomodulation and Immunomodulation of Radiation In Vitro and In Vivo
Hyperthermia
Stochastic and deterministic Late Effects
Radiation Effects in the Embryo and Fetus
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Physical Constants
Appendix B: List of Radionuclides for Radiotherapy and Imaging