Preface

There are several therapeutic methods for cancer treatment, including surgery, systemic therapy, hormonotherapy, and radiation therapy. The therapeutic application of radiation has developed significantly over the past century. Radiation therapy is employed supplementary to surgery or systematic therapy. It is also used as a single treatment procedure. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy X-rays, protons, electrons, or other particles to kill tumor cells.

This book discusses radiation techniques such as brachytherapy, external radiation, and photodynamic therapy. In the first stage, localized tumours are generally treated by brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy for cancer management where a radioactive source is placed in or close to a tumor to destroy its cells. This treatment is used for breast cancer, optic nerve glioma, and cervical cancer. Ultrasound-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer is also discussed. External radiation is used for lung, breast, head and neck, and abdomen cancers. Photodynamic therapy is used for retroperitoneal tumors in children. It also appreciably increases the survival rate of patients with retroperitoneal tumors. The book also discusses dosimetry audits, which ensure that the accurate therapeutic dose is delivered to patients undergoing radiotherapy.

This book is a useful resource for students, researchers, clinical practitioners, academicians, and other interested readers.

> **Dr. Badruddeen** Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India

**Usama Ahmad, Juber Akhtar and Mohd Aftab Siddiqui** Integral University, Lucknow, India
