Handbook of Evidence-based Radiation Oncology

This handbook serves as a portable reference that utilizes evidence-based medicine as the basis for practical treatment recommendations and guidelines in radiation oncology. The book is designed for quick reference, with concise clinical chapters, organized by body site, providing easy access to critical information. Important "pearls" of epidemiology, anatomy, pathology, and clinical presentation are highlighted. Key facets of the work-up are listed, followed by staging and risk classification systems. Discussion of treatment recommendations is highly specific, based on stage, histology, and risk classification. Brief summaries of key trials and studies provide support and rationale for the recommendations. Practical guidelines for radiation techniques are described. Each chapter concludes with a review of possible complications and outlines follow-up guidelines. A comprehensive section of appendices allows quick reference to information on performance status scales, radionucleotides used in brachytherapy, radiation safety, tumor markers, immunophenotyping and cytogenetics, and commonly prescribed drugs.