Principles and Practice of Modern Radiotherapy Techniques in Breast Cancer, 2013

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among the female population. With advances in systemic therapies and modern radiotherapy techniques, breast cancer patients can have a long life-expectancy. However, it is crucial that radiation therapy is carried out with minimum complications and with the utmost efficiency.

Principles and Practice of Modern Radiotherapy Techniques in Breast Cancer provides practical and current theoretical knowledge to the planning and implementation of breast cancer radiation therapy. All aspects of breast cancer are covered, including epidemiology, molecular and biological basis and integrating systemic therapies during all steps of treatment.

The illustrated section of this book identifies anatomical structures in daily practice by presenting target and critical structures in actual treatment positions. These images show and mark the anatomical points of the patient lying in the position that breast radiation therapy would be performed.

This text serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, residents and fellows practicing and learning breast cancer radiotherapy.

Epidemiology and Etiology.- Staging.- Molecular Classification.- Prognostic and Predictive Factors.- Mechanisms of Resistance to Radiation.- Interaction of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.- Interactions of Radiotherapy with Hormonotherapy.- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ.- Early Stage Breast Cancer.- Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.- Metastatic Breast Cancer.- The Organs at Risk and Radiation Tolerance Doses.- Chest Wall and Regional Lymphatics.- Breast and Tumor Bed.- Simulation and Patient Fixation Methods.- Three Dimensional Planning Techniques.- Inverse Planning, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Image Guided Radiation Therapy.- Forward Planning Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Techniques.- Boost Techniques.- Quality Assurance.- Partial Breast Irradiation.- Hypofractionation.- Application of Tomotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients.- Radiotherapy Complications.