Radiotherapy Treatment Planning. New System Approaches, Olivier Haas, Advances in Industrial Control, Springer Verlag; Berlin, 220 pp., 138 Figures. ISBN: 1-85233-063-5

Abstract

This monograph is a good example how a PhD thesis can be converted from its research basis to a practically orientated booklet which gives an overview on the complex subject of treatment planning in radiotherapy. The arrangement of the various chapters is well done and makes it easy to follow through. Although all figures are not coloured this proves to be of no disadvantage, since they are of high quality and the descriptions are very detailed. The strength of this book lies in its short, but sufficiently long chapters, and in its clear language which makes it easy to understand. In modern cancer treatment, a profound computerised planning is essential for obtaining success in curing the patient. This booklet is a monograph dedicated to the most advanced treatment- and planning techniques which are based on the concept of delivering a prescribed dose in the target volume, but avoiding an unnecessary burden to the surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. In the past many algorithms were proposed to meet these requirements and thus optimisation of the various treatment parameters were introduced. In advanced radiotherapy centres nowadays conformal treatment techniques are carried out to minimise side effects and to reduce the rate of complications to the surrounding healthy organs. To achieve these goals a frequent update for the planning software in use is necessary to incorporate the latest research results successfully. This monograph describes, in a very good way, the latest developments in radiotherapy cancer treatment, as well as the various steps which led to the more advanced techniques of today. It is a very compact book where one can find almost every answer concerning treatment planning, beam modelling, computer algorithms, optimisation techniques, advanced dosimetry, dynamic beam compensation (wedges and multi-leaf collimators) etc. and, last but not least, intensity-modulated radiation therapy which seems to be a challenge for the manufacturers of treatment equipment, as well as for the software of computerised treatment planning systems. To make efficient use of these techniques the monograph is valuable for clinicians, medical physicists and engineers who need to be highly skilled for the benefit of the patients. It is well written and expertly edited and is consequently very readable and certainly of topical interest. It provides a state-of-the-art overview of all aspects in modern treatment planning. This book is an excellent addition to the available textbooks on treatment planning in radiotherapy and should have its favourite place in the personal library of every medical physicist and engineer.