The Physics of Radiotherapy X-Rays And Electrons.

THE PHYSICS OF RADIOTHERAPY X-RAYS AND ELECTRONS. Metcalfe P, Kron T, Hoban P. 2007. 916 pgs. Medical Physics Publishing. www.medicalphysics.org. $140.

Although the field of radiation physics has several established authors, this new book gives a somewhat different perspective on the field's basic content areas in radiation therapy, medical dosimetry and medical physics. The text is updated from the original version, titled The Physics of Radiotherapy X-Rays from Linear Accelerators, and is well written and comprehensive. The book's content also appears to be accurate, current and professionally edited.

The book begins with a chapter on medical linear accelerators and ends with a chapter on tumor and normal tissue response. Multiple chapters in the book discuss the development of radiation therapy treatment planning techniques, giving the reader a conceptual understanding of how the knowledge has been created, empirically built and applied. The additional chapters are well organized and referenced for easy identification of a specific subject area. Questions are included at the end of each chapter, and the well-written answer keys are at the back of the book.

This book will appeal primarily to graduate and professional students in medical physics, radiation oncology residency programs and professional medical dosimetry programs. The Physics of Radiotherapy X-Rays and Electrons also is a comprehensive book that would be a great reference tool for established medical physicists, radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists and radiation therapy educators.

Robert D Adams, EdD, R.T.(R)(T), CMD

Assistant Professor

University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Department of Radiation Oncology