Author Description

Publications from the staff of the M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute have earned a well deserved reputation for excellence. This volume is no exception. Written by present and past members of the staff of that institution, with Dr. Fletcher as editor, a high standard is maintained. Some sections have been written by experts from other institutions in fields where their special knowledge and experience would be of value. The general character of the book, however, is set by the practice and experience of the parent institution. The guiding principle of the presentation is to give a definite point of view and plan of treatment rather than a discussion of different principles and practices. This is not meant to imply that there are not other equally satisfactory approaches, but is done to give the reader a definite concrete basis on which he can subsequently elaborate. It is written essentially for the trainee in therapeutic radiology and presents a sequential exposé by anatomical sites of the place of radiation in the management of cancer. The technics are based on those in actual use at the M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute and can be duplicated anywhere with a minimum of physics and workshop facilities. Megavoltage therapy is stressed to the virtual exclusion of kilovoltage in the expressed belief that the latter is antiquated. Most of the technics are feasible with a kilocurie Co60 or 2 MV x-ray unit. If higher energy radiation would be appropriate in a particular situation, its use is mentioned. As a textbook of therapeutic irradiation, presentation of clinical background is limited to that pertinent to the justification and understanding of the technics described. Familiarity with the classical books on cancer and radiologic physics is assumed. This volume is highly recommended to all trainees in therapeutic and general radiology. In addition, anyone administering radiation therapeutically would benefit from its perusal.