Research For The Radiation Therapist

This book addresses a wide range of topics, from the principles of evidence-based practice to the process and dissemination of research to unique considerations such as clinical trials, patenting, and health services research. The case for evidence-based practice and a collaborative research culture is made first, followed by a series of chapters walking the reader through the research process by way of the scientific method. One of the more unique aspects of the scope of this book is the inclusion of chapters relating to the dissemination of knowledge, manuscript publication, and how to build an academic research program. Each chapter focuses on introducing the reader to foundational principles, methodology, and terminology, and highlight case studies of radiation therapist research or experience that is relevant to provide contextual examples and inspiration to the reader.

This book is a comprehensive review and study aid for radiation therapists. Organized in a question-and-answer format, it present clinical features and principles of treatment. Topics include radiation therapy physics, radiobiology, treatment and simulation equipment, principles of patient care, clinical components of cancer care, and cancers of the brain, head and neck region, and respiratory, digestive, urinary, and male and female reproductive systems. It offers over 500 multiple-choice questions with detailed answers and rationales. Radiation Therapy Study Guide is a valuable resource for radiation therapists preparing for certification examinations as well as for practicing therapists in need of a review.

"Most (about 70 percent) radiation therapists work in hospitals or in cancer treatment centers. Others work in physicians' offices as assistants, and a small number work in outpatient care centers and medical and diagnostic laboratories performing research. Across all practice settings, job opportunities for radiation therapists are expected to increase dramatically. As the population in the United States ages and develops higher risks for cancer, the demand grows. As radiation technology becomes safer and more effective, it will be prescribed more often, leading to even more jobs for radiation therapists. Considering the attractive features of this career - good pay and great job outlook - the educational requirements are quite modest. There are two ways to get the necessary training. One is by obtaining an associate or a bachelor's degree in radiation therapy. The other is to go through a certificate program, which generally takes less time than the full four years of an undergraduate degree. Prospective radiation therapists should make sure that their degree or certificate program is certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) before they enroll. Once radiation therapists begin working, their earnings are fairly high. Beginners start out with salaries of $50,000 per year on average. Their earnings rise the longer they stay in the job - those with 10 year's experience typically make $75,000 to $85,000 per year. Some make even more working at specialty hospitals or in medical and diagnostic laboratories. The greatest reward of working as a radiation therapist is witnessing the scientific advances that allow many cancer patients to survive and go back to leading healthy lives."--Pages 2-3.

Clinical conformal radiotherapy is the holy grail of radiation treatment and is now becoming a reality through the combined efforts of physical scientists and engineers, who have improved the physical basis of radiotherapy, and the interest and concern of imaginative radiotherapists and radiographers. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy describes in detail the physics germane to the development of a particular form of clinical conformal radiotherapy called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT has become a topic of tremendous importance in recent years and is now being seriously investigated for its potential to improve the outcome of radiation therapy. The book collates the state-of-the-art literature together with the author's personal research experience and that of colleagues in the field to produce a text suitable for new research workers, Ph.D. students, and practicing radiation physicists that require a thorough introduction to IMRT. Fully illustrated, indexed, and referenced, the book has been prepared in a form suitable for supporting a teaching course.

The radiation therapist's primary concern is the treatment of patients with malignant dis ease. However, there are definite indications for radiation treatment for benign diseases that do not respond to conventional methods of treatment. It may be the treatment of choice in the unusual instance of a life-threatening benign disease that cannot be surgi cally or medically managed. The present volume by Order and Donaldson represents a major statement on the uti lization of radiation techniques in the management of benign disease. The initial report of the Committee on Radiation Treatment of Benign Disease from the Bureau of Radiological Health recommended that consideration be given to the quality of radiation, the total dose, overall time, underlying organs at risk and shielding factors before the institution of radiation therapy. Infants and children should be treated with ionizing radiation only in very exceptional cases and after careful evaluation of the potential risk compared with the expected benefit. Direct irradiation of the skin areas overlying organs that are particularly prone to late effects such as the thyroid, eye, go nads, bone marrow, and breast should be avoided. Meticulous radiation protection tech niques should be used in all instances and the depth of penetration of the x-ray beam should be chosen in accordance with depth of the pathologic process'.

This book addresses the day-to-day treatment planning issues that radiation oncologists are likely to encounter during the treatment of breast cancer patients and provides numerous practical “tips” that will assist in navigation of the treatment planning process, from delineation of the tumor boundaries to discrimination of adjacent normal tissues and critical structures at risk of radiation injury. Differences in target delineation and treatment planning according to technique are emphasized, with coverage of conventional radiation therapy and advanced techniques including cardiac-sparing approaches, e.g., using active breathing control, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, proton beam therapy, and electron beam therapy post mastectomy. Individual chapters also focus on radiation setup and verification techniques and radiation treatment planning systems. The book, which is part of the Springer series Practical Guides in Radiation Oncology, is designed for hands-on use by radiation oncology residents/fellows in training and practicing radiation oncologists.

Developments in radiation oncology have been key to the tremendous progress made in the field in recent years. The combination of optimal systemic treatment and local therapy has resulted in continuing improved outcomes of cancer therapy. This progress forms the basis for current pre-clinical and clinical research which will strengthen the position of radiation oncology as an essential component of oncological care. This book summarizes recent advances in radiotherapy research and clinical patient care. Topics include radiobiology, radiotherapy technology, and particle therapy. Chapters cover a summary and analysis of recent developments in the search for biomarkers for precision radiotherapy, novel imaging possibilities and treatment planning, and advances in understanding the differences between photon and particle radiotherapy. Advances in Radiation Therapy is an invaluable source of information for scientists and clinicians working in the field of radiation oncology. It is also a relevant resource for those interested in the broad topic of radiotherapy in general.

Modern medical imaging and radiation therapy technologies are so complex and computer driven that it is difficult for physicians and technologists to know exactly what is happening at the point-of-care. Medical physicists responsible for filling this gap in knowledge must stay abreast of the latest advances at the intersection of medical imaging an