Radiation Therapy In Pediatric Oncology

The diagnosis of cancer in a child is a devastating finding not only to the parents but often to the child. Even though the situation is relatively easy to accept among adults, it is difficult to accept among children because of their general helpless state. The advances that have been made in the management of a child with cancer in the last 20 years have been dramatic in character. These have occurred not only by virtue ofthe contributions from early diagnosis and more precise staging but also from the contribu tions made by surgery, radiation therapy, and the more widespread utilization of chemotherapy regimens. This volume by J. Robert Cassady sets forth the position of radiation oncology in the management of the child with cancer. Radiation therapy remains an important and significant part of the treatment of this group of diseases. The book presents the basic knowledge with regards to pediatric oncology and how it relates to radiation therapy. It gives a timely overview on the topic and is essential for all radiation oncologists involved in the management of children with cancer. Hamburg/Philadelphia, June 1994 H. -P. HEILMANN LUTHER W. BRADY Preface This book provides a thorough review of the role that radiation therapy currently plays in the management of most childhood tumors. Extensively augmented with figures and tables where appropriate, it also provides a concise review of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for major childhood malignancies. Extensive and up-to-date reference lists are an added benefit.

Pediatric Radiation Oncology, Sixth Edition continues to be the premier reference that offers comprehensive coverage of this challenging area for the radiation oncologist in training or practice, medical radiation physicists and dosimetrists, as well as pediatric oncologists and others interested in understanding childhood malignancies. This definitive text has been completely updated to reflect recent advances in the field. Manageable in size and engaging to read, it efficiently synthesizes data on pathogenesis, pathology, diagnostic workup, staging, treatment approaches (particularly radiation therapy—indications, doses, volumes, and treatment planning), and toxic outcomes, as well as guidance on decision making when data is lacking. For 30 years, this standard reference has helped demystify radiation therapy for childhood cancer and contributed to the quality and quantity of life for children affected by this disease.

This book presents the most up-to-date and innovative information on the targeting and treatment of a wide range of childhood cancers by means of radiation therapy. Written by global experts in pediatric radiation oncology, it documents in detail the treatment regimens appropriate to each disease, highlighting the recent advances that promise to improve rates of survival and cure. The use of image-guided and intensity-modulated radiation therapy is clearly described, and careful attention is also devoted to the roles of proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic fractionated radiosurgery, and modulated arc radiotherapy. Separate chapters address localization and verification procedures and anesthesia; pediatric radiation oncology in the palliative care setting; and aspects that are especially relevant in low- and medium-income countries. Beyond clinical radiation oncology, relevant information is provided on radiation physics. The book concludes by examining future directions in the field.

By becoming knowledgeable about optimal treatment methods designed specifically for childhood cancers, members of a radiotherapy team can help improve both pediatric cancer survival statistics and patients' quality of life. Pediatric Radiotherapy Planning and Treatment is the first single, focused resource available for health care providers to acc

This book reviews the principles and applications of radiotherapy in the management of pediatric brain tumors to allow the reader to gain a full appreciation of the major aspects involved in caring for these patients. Individual sections are devoted to basic principles, specific management for the full range of tumor entities, radiotherapy techniques, and potential toxicities and their management. The book is written and edited by world leaders in pediatric radiotherapy, and care has been taken to cover the latest advances in diagnosis and radiotherapy techniques. Pediatric brain tumors represent a diverse group of neoplasms that require carefully planned management for successful definitive treatment. Radiotherapy is one of the fundamental components in treatment for the majority of these vulnerable patients. The optimal radiation therapy approach will depend on multiple factors, including tumor type and location, extent of disease, age of the patient, and other therapies. A thorough understanding of the natural history of the disease, communication with the multidisciplinary team, full knowledge of available radiotherapy techniques, and consideration of potential acute and late toxicities are therefore essential for each patient.

Three of every four children and adolescents with cancer can now be cured. However, physicians are using increasingly intensive treatment regimens. These treatments can expose patients to toxic chemotherapeutic agents, invasive surgical procedures, and radiation oncology interventions that risk disfigurement, neuropsychiatric damage, and life-threatening organ toxicity. These potentially dire consequences have mandated that advances in cancer treatment go hand in hand with supportive care measures that sustain patients through their therapeutic ordeal and allow each patient to achieve maximum quality of life. In this book, now in its third edition, the discipline of supportive care in pediatric oncology is covered in depth. Supportive Care of Children with Cancer is a ready-reference handbook designed for use at the hospital bedside, in the oncology outpatient clinic, or in the physician's office. To create this book, leading experts in the field recommended approaches to supportive care which were then critically reviewed by members of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's largest cooperative study group for children's cancer. For students, house officers, fellows, pediatric oncologists, surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, social workers, and psychologists, this book provides essential information about the care of pediatric oncology patients. The third edition features a new chapter on recognition, prevention, and remediation of burnout in pediatric oncology staff members, while throughout the book, chapters have been revised and updated to reflect the impact of new antibiotic agents, new antiemetics, and new approaches to pain management.

Pediatric CNS Tumors is a detailed review of childhood brain tumors that offers a biologically based perspective on their management. For each tumor type, epidemiology, pathological features, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the provision of treatment algorithms that reflect current best practice, and controversies and therapeutic agents under development are also addressed. The closing chapters consider many of the diagnostic and treatment modalities common to all tumors, with special attention to experimental and emerging techniques. This third edition of the book has been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account the latest advances in knowledge and treatment.