Radiation Therapy Techniques for Gynecological Cancers (eBook)

This book is a practical guide to the use of modern radiation therapy techniques in women with gynecological cancers. Step-by-step instruction is provided on simulation, contouring, and treatment planning and delivery for cancers of the cervix, endometrium, vagina, and vulva. Beyond external beam radiation delivery, full details are presented on three-dimensional brachytherapy at all sites for which it is applicable. Moreover, in-depth guidance is offered on the various advanced techniques of radiation delivery, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image guidance for external beam and brachytherapy, and stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Radiation therapy is a critical component of the multidisciplinary management of gynecological tumors. With modern technology, both external beam radiation and brachytherapy can be delivered in a highly conformal way. This requires precise contouring and accurate planning techniques. In clearly describing the indications for and the delivery of quality radiation therapy for gynecological tumors, this book will benefit radiation oncologists, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and radiotherapy residents.

Kevin Albuquerque, MD, MS, is Professor and Chief of Gynecological Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. He is also Director of Quality Assurance/Improvement. He is involved actively with resident and medical student education and research. His research interests and publications are in outcomes and quality of life for women with breast and gynecological cancers and brachytherapy. He is currently Track Chair for Gynecological Cancers for the ASTRO Annual Meeting Scientific Committee and Associate Editor for the Red Journal (Gynecology).

Sushil Beriwal, MD, holds several positions within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, including Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Residency Program Director of Radiation Oncology, and Medical Director for Radiation Oncology at Magee-Women's Hospital.  He is actively involved in residency and medical student teaching and in research.  His research interests are 3D image-based brachytherapy, IMRT and IGRT, and outcome analysis for breast, prostate, and gynecological cancers.  He is Senior Editor of IJROBP.  Dr. Beriwal has published more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

Akila Viswanathan, MD, MPH, is Executive Vice Chair and Professor at the Johns Hopkins Dept. of Radiation Oncology, Director of radiation oncology services in the greater Washington D.C. region, and Director of gynecological radiation oncology services for Johns Hopkins. As an expert on gynecologic cancers and their treatment, she has published over 190 articles and chapters. Dr. Viswanathan has served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Brachytherapy Society and serves as Chair of the Education Committee for ASTRO.  She was a member of the Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee for the National Cancer Institute and serves as co-chair of the Uterine Cancer Task Force. She is on the editorial board of Gynecologic Oncology and Brachytherapy and is an editor of the Springer book Gynecologic Radiation Therapy: Novel Approaches to Image-Guidance and Management.   

Beth Erickson, MD, is Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Erickson focuses on the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancers. She is Chief of brachytherapy services and has a special interest in image-based treatment planning for both external beam and brachytherapy.  Dr. Erickson has been very active in the American Brachytherapy Society and in ASTRO. She has served as Vice-Chair of the Cervix Committee for the Patterns of Care and QRRO studies and as Chair of the ACR Practice Guidelines for the performance of high dose rate and low dose rate brachytherapy.  Dr. Erickson is also active in the Radiological Society of North America, serving as co-chair for the Boost Program. She is section head editor for Gynecology for the Journal of Brachytherapy International.