Beijing Union Medical College Hospital Medical Treatment Routine — Radiation Therapy Department Treatment Routine

Author: Zhang Fuquan (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Based on years of clinical practice, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has compiled a series of books reflecting its current medical and diagnostic standards titled "Medical and Diagnostic Guidelines of Peking Union Medical College Hospital." The series includes 57 sub-books covering departments such as Cardiology, Hematology, Respiratory Medicine, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Allergy, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Nephrology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Laser Therapy, Radiology, Ultrasound Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine, Otolaryngology, Stomatology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Oncology Radiotherapy, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, Physical Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, among others. These sub-books cover most clinical and technical departments. The publication of these books meets the needs of clinical medical work and modern hospital management. They are not only used to systematically guide the clinical work of Peking Union Medical College Hospital but also serve as references for medical colleagues nationwide. The editor believes that the compilation of these books is a summary and refinement of past work experience, aiming to provide basic procedures and methods for clinical practice. They reflect currently mature and applicable methods and technologies, which need to be continuously enriched and revised with the development of disciplines. The publication of these books does not hinder the development of new medical technologies or technological improvements.
Radiation therapy has a history of nearly a century, evolving from simple treatments using superficial and deep X-rays to the current three-dimensional conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using linear accelerators. From early intracavitary and surface brachytherapy using radium tubes and radium membranes to the application of three-dimensional planned brachytherapy with posterior field and dose verification, as well as image-guided precision radiation therapy, which has been quickly adopted in clinical practice. Technological advancements have brought better treatment outcomes and fewer complications for cancer patients but have also placed higher demands on the staff involved in radiation therapy. Medical physicists working in radiation therapy must have a solid foundation in basic and clinical medicine, as well as expertise in clinical oncology, radiation biology, and radiation physics, to initially qualify for clinical work in radiation therapy. Correct diagnosis, standardized treatment, and strict quality assurance are key to radiation therapy.
This book was compiled by physicians and physicists from our department, referencing domestic and international literature and combining our treatment experience. It primarily focuses on the radiation therapy guidelines for common malignant and non-malignant diseases. One of the features of this book is the inclusion of the quality assurance and operational standards for radiation therapy equipment implemented in our department for many years.