Marshall Brucer

The Basic Physics of Radiation Therapy

The first chapters of this textbook review some simple mathematics used in the physics of radiation therapy and the methods for producing x-rays. The units of dose in radiation are described, and it is shown how these units are applied to x-ray therapy and in treatment planning. The same kind of background information is given for radioactivity and supervoltage generators. There are sections on the medical use of radioactive isotopes, radiobiology, and protection in radiotherapy. There do not seem to be any biases in the presentation of the subject matter, but neither are there any strong opinions. Rather, this appears to be a collection of expanded lecture notes for radiologists, residents in radiology, and radiological technicians. As an only textbook it is adequate for x-ray technicians but far too superficial for residents in radiology. The book is well printed and bound. The typography is excellent. The illustrations are well conceived