Radiobiology in radiotherapy

This book is designed to provide a synthesis of current radiobiological knowledge as it relates to modern radiotherapy practice. An eminent radiobiologist working in a specific area provides the biological background and a clinician then reviews the up-to-date practical implications of this scientific basis. All topical aspects of radiobiology as applied to radiotherapy are covered, including the effects of radiation on cells, normal tissue and tumor, the important features of fractionation, and dose rate. Alternative treatment modalities, such as particle therapy hyperthermia radiation sensitizers and other oxygen modifiers and the interaction with chemotherapeutic agents, are discussed from both the clinical and radiobiological points of view. The contributions stem from the 1987 Royal College of Radiologists' Clinical Oncology symposium.