Tutorials in Radiotherapy Physics

Tutorials in Radiotherapy Physics: Advanced Topics with Problems and Solutions covers selected advanced topics that are not thoroughly discussed in any of the standard medical physics texts. The book brings together material from a large variety of sources, avoiding the need to search through and digest the vast research literature. The topics are mathematically developed from first principles using consistent notation.

The book offers clear derivations and in-depth explanations, providing insight into the physics of electron acceleration in linear accelerators and presenting an introduction to the study of proton therapy. It then describes the predominant method of clinical photon dose computation: convolution and superposition dose calculation algorithms. It also discusses the Boltzmann transport equation, a potentially fast and accurate method of dose calculation that is an alternative to the Monte Carlo method. This discussion considers Fermi-Eyges theory, which is widely used for electron dose calculations.

The book concludes with a step-by-step mathematical development of tumour control and normal tissue complication probability models. Each chapter includes problems, with solutions provided in the back of the book.

This guide prepares you to explore cutting-edge research. It provides a strong foundation for reading review articles on the topics and can be used for self-study, in graduate medical physics and physics residency programmes, or in vendor training for linacs and treatment planning systems.