Written by a world-class team of multidisciplinary experts, this is a reference on two highly challenging tumours occurring in the skull base and spine: chordomas and chondrosarcomas.

This book serves as a practical guide for the use of carbon ions in cancer radiotherapy. On the basis of clinical experience with more than 7,000 patients with various types of tumors treated over a period of nearly 20 years at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, step-by-step procedures and technological development of this modality are highlighted. The book is divided into two sections, the first covering the underlying principles of physics and biology, and the second section is a systematic review by tumor site, concentrating on the role of therapeutic techniques and the pitfalls in treatment planning. Readers will learn of the superior outcomes obtained with carbon-ion therapy for various types of tumors in terms of local control and toxicities. It is essential to understand that the carbon-ion beam is like a two-edged sword: unless it is used properly, it can increase the risk of severe injury to critical organs. In early series of dose-escalation studies, some patients experienced serious adverse effects such as skin ulcers, pneumonitis, intestinal ulcers, and bone necrosis, for which salvage surgery or hospitalization was required. To preclude such detrimental results, the adequacy of therapeutic techniques and dose fractionations was carefully examined in each case. In this way, significant improvements in treatment results have been achieved and major toxicities are no longer observed. With that knowledge, experts in relevant fields expand upon techniques for treatment delivery at each anatomical site, covering indications and optimal treatment planning. With its practical focus, this book will benefit radiation oncologists, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and senior nurses whose work involves radiation therapy, as well as medical oncologists and others who are interested in radiation therapy.

The definitive guide on chordomas by an international Who's Who of experts A rare form of cancer, chordomas are among the most difficult tumors to treat, requiring highly specialized training and surgical expertise. Although generally slow-growing, chordomas present resection challenges due to their proximity to critical structures including the spinal cord, brainstem, nerves, and arteries. Written by an impressive cadre of internationally-renowned experts, this textbook is the most current, concise, and definitive resource on diagnosis and management of this complex pathology. Acclaimed surgeons from Brazil, Canada, Japan, Turkey, the USA, and the UK are contributors. The book starts with a historical overview, epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, cytogenetics, local invasion and metastasis, and pathology. A thorough discussion covers diagnostic radiological and radionuclide imaging such as MRI, PET; SPECT, PET-CT, and PET-MRI, and clinical traits of skull base and spinal chordomas as defined by imaging modalities. Subsequent chapters explore decision making including selecting the most optimal techniques, surgical procedures, specialized topics, and new horizons in chordoma treatment. Key Highlights Anterior and anterolateral approaches to the clivus The use of endoscopy and intraoperative assistive technologies Midline subfrontal, middle fossa, extended petrosal, and transcondylar approaches Craniospinal fusion techniques following resection Surgery for spinal chordomas from the cervical to the sacral region Special topics such as radiation, proton beam therapy, Gamma-Knife radiosurgery, and pediatric chordomas and chondrosarcomas This is an essential text for neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, otolaryngologists, and radiation oncologists. Read and learn from innovators who have mastered the latest state-of-the-art treatment methodologies for chordomas.

This book provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of chordomas of the mobile spine and sacrum. Historically, knowledge about how to deliver such state-of-the-art care has not been widespread, resulting in inconsistent treatment, and, all too often, suboptimal outcomes for chordoma patients. This text is an important step towards broadening that knowledge, and, in turn, improving the care provided to chordoma patients. The book is divided into 4 parts comprising 16 chapters. The first part focuses on the pathophysiology and molecular drivers of chordoma. The second focuses on the epidemiology and clinical history, as well as the histological, oncologic, and radiographic work-up of chordoma. The third part focuses primarily on the technical aspects of surgery for chordoma. It is broken down by anatomic region, with the final two chapters focusing on the soft tissue and bony reconstruction following chordoma resection. The last part focuses on the exciting field of adjuvant therapies for chordoma. This includes both radiation therapies and novel chemotherapeutic options for recurrent, metastatic, and dedifferentiated chordoma. Written by world experts from leading chordoma centers, Chordoma of the Spine serves as a valuable reference for spinal oncologists and general spine surgeons who may encounter chordoma patients in their practice. It provides the most up-to-date evidence regarding all aspects of treating patients with this disease. By focusing on this specific pathology of the spine, this resource condenses expert-level research into understandable treatment algorithms.

This book provides evidence-based management in neuro-oncology covering all aspects such as pathology, radiology, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.The field of neuro-oncology is rapidly evolving and new evidence is coming out every day towards the optimal management of brain tumors. This necessitates a requirement of a complete guide that shall provide an evidence-based and personalized approach towards dealing with patients. This book also covers recent advances in personalized treatment formed through the relevant basis of anatomy, imaging, radiology, surgical, radiation and systemic treatment of brain and spinal tumors. In addition it also covers the , practical aspects of the planning of the Gamma knife and other radio surgical aspects. The book shall provide valuable assistance to practicing neuro-oncologists to practice better evidence-based personalized medicine.

This text provides a comprehensive and contemporary overview of surgical approaches to lesions of the posterior fossa. It will serve as a resource for neurosurgeons and otologists who treat patients with tumors and vascular diseases of the posterior fossa. It provides a concise review of surgical strategies that address the most important pathologies affecting the posterior fossa. It is richly illustrated with photographs and illustrations of the surgical strategies covered. All chapters are written by experts with world-wide recognition for their contributions in their respective subspecialty. Skull Base Surgery of the Posterior Fossa will be of great utility to Neurosurgeons, Otolaryngologists, and Radiation Therapists with an interest in diseases that affect the posterior fossa, as well as Senior Residents in Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology, and Fellows of Skull Base Surgery and Otology.

This book is a practical guide on image-guided robotic (CyberKnife®) radiosurgery of the brain and the spine. The volume introduces the radiosurgical community to the potential of image-guidance in the treatment of neurosurgical diseases including neuro-oncological, vascular and functional disorders. Principles of image-guided radiosurgery, including physics and radiobiology are considered. Each chapter provides a critical review of the literature and analyses of several aspects to offer an assessment of single and hypofractionated treatments. Based on the authors’ experience, tables or summaries presenting the treatment approaches and associated risks are included as well. Providing a practical guide to define the selection of dose, fractionation schemes, isodose line, margins, imaging, constraints to the structures at risk will support safe practice of neuroradiosurgery. This book aims to shed new light on the treatment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the central nervous system using the CyberKnife® image-guided robotic radiosurgery system. It will be adopted by neurosurgery residents and neurosurgery consultants as well as residents in radiation oncology and radiation oncologists; medical physicists involved in radiosurgery procedures may also benefit from this book.

This book is a practical, up-to-date guide to the treatment of patients with brain and spinal tumors. Leading experts in the field explain treatment techniques in detail, highlighting key considerations in the use of external beam radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, particle therapy, radiosurgery, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Specific recommendations are described for different tumor types, and helpful information provided on other important issues, such as the interaction of radiotherapy and systemic therapy and the avoidance of treatment complications. With the development of modern technology, highly conformal radiotherapy techniques have become more complicated, yet also more widely employed. This book will equip readers with the knowledge required to set up practices to deliver quality brain and spinal radiation therapy appropriate to each patient. It will be of benefit to radiation oncologists, clinical oncologists, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and senior nurses as well as medical oncologists and surgical oncologists with an interest in radiotherapy.

The scope of this 15-20-volume set encompasses the entire field of pathology ranging from general pathological terms to specific diseases to diagnostic methods. Each volume contains homogenously structured entries and a team of international experts guarantee that the essays and definitions are scientifically sound. The A-Z format allows searching for a single word in case the reader does not know to which pathological speciality the term belongs. The major advantage of the encyclopedia is manner in which it makes relevant information available not only to pathologists, but to all clinicians and researchers of the neighbouring disciplines working with pathologists who might wish to look up terms online.

This book reviews the principles and applications of radiotherapy in the management of pediatric brain tumors to allow the reader to gain a full appreciation of the major aspects involved in caring for these patients. Individual sections are devoted to basic principles, specific management for the full range of tumor entities, radiotherapy techniques, and potential toxicities and their management. The book is written and edited by world leaders in pediatric radiotherapy, and care has been taken to cover the latest advances in diagnosis and radiotherapy techniques. Pediatric brain tumors represent a diverse group of neoplasms that require carefully planned management for successful definitive treatment. Radiotherapy is one of the fundamental components in treatment for the majority of these vulnerable patients. The optimal radiation therapy approach will depend on multiple factors, including tumor type and location, extent of disease, age of the patient, and other therapies. A thorough understanding of the natural history of the disease, communication with the multidisciplinary team, full knowledge of available radiotherapy techniques, and consideration of potential acute and late toxicities are therefore essential for each patient.