Radiation Oncology text books.

[Butch]

Which are the best standard "must-have" books for residents? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the various standard Rad Onc books (e.g. Liebel, Perez, etc.)?

Are there expected new editions of any of the major texts in the near future?

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[alternateseason]

Learning radiation oncology is a feat for the majority of us who have not picked up a physics book since many years ago when we were diligently preparing for the MCAT exam to get into medical school. Interestingly, radiation oncology residency is "like going to medical school all over again" because of the vast new knowledge base we must acquire.

While we all have helped managed CHF as medical students and could realistically improve as we train throughout an Internal Medicine residency, mostly none of us have extensive experience planning tumor volumes or calculating isodose curves. So here's a list of rad onc books I'm chewing on:

The Physics of Radiation Therapy by Faiz M. Khan

Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy by Charles M. Washington

Portal Design in Radiation Therapy by Byron G. Dasher

Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging by Peter Fleckenstein

Radiation Therapy Planning by Gunilla C. Bentel

 

[bobloblaw]

Hall's new edition of Radiobiology for the Radiologist (6th edition) just came out.

As for rad onc texts, there's the Perez textook (last published in 2003) and the new Leibel (which was published in 2004, I think?) Unfortunately, some sections that are really good in one book are kind of skimpy in another. In general, Perez seems to be a little more encyclopedic/thorough than Leibel.

Another great resource (if you can get a copy) is the ASTRO disk that comes out each year at the annual meeting. It has "up to date" talks on most topics from people who are generally considered to be experts in their respective fields.

 

[3dtp]

Hall's new edition of Radiobiology for the Radiologist (6th edition) just came out.

As for rad onc texts, there's the Perez textook (last published in 2003) and the new Leibel (which was published in 2004, I think?) Unfortunately, some sections that are really good in one book are kind of skimpy in another. In general, Perez seems to be a little more encyclopedic/thorough than Leibel.

Another great resource (if you can get a copy) is the ASTRO disk that comes out each year at the annual meeting. It has "up to date" talks on most topics from people who are generally considered to be experts in their respective fields.

Gunderson has a new edition coming out soon.

 

[stephew]

The Physics of Radiation Therapy by Faiz M. Khan

Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy by Charles M. Washington

Portal Design in Radiation Therapy by Byron G. Dasher

Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging by Peter Fleckenstein

Radiation Therapy Planning by Gunilla C. Bentel

my personal take:
1) F. Khan. The Standard. And its crap. But you do need for some sections like bracy. Pick up Stanton and Stinton's book (they have two and a resident stole mine so im not sure which it is. sorry. i think its the cheaper one).
2) Basher's Portal design: useless. Only good if you were practicing in the early to late 1980s.
3) Abrahams and Weir imaging anatomy book is great.
4) diff't chapters in gunderson, libell and Cox are all good. Look them over to see which you want to keep.
5) Chao is little Perez and useful as a quick ref.
5) Perez good for ports
6) Uptodate.com: priceless before seeing a new case.
7) IMRT Chao is a good one. others.

 

[fettucine]

what about Bentell's radiation therapy planning?

 

[clintpark]

Another great resource (if you can get a copy) is the ASTRO disk that comes out each year at the annual meeting. It has "up to date" talks on most topics from people who are generally considered to be experts in their respective fields.

They are really good if you are just starting out, like I am, and need directions in identifying what important topics are for each disease site. You still need to do your reading as the details on these talks are very skimpy.

 

[stephew]

what about Bentell's radiation therapy planning?

not a definitive text but good at teaching you some early basics.

 

[Thaiger75]

For the more senior residents: If anybody has the time, perhaps we can post which chapters from which book you prefer for each disease site? This can be a major time saver for us junior residents...