When I first proposed this book, one of the hopes was that it would be the stage upon which would be conducted a quiet, wellยญ reasoned discussion of the various techniques of stereotactic radioยญ surgery. At that time, there was quite a bit of rancorous debate that tended to obscure the scientific and medical merits of each of the separate methods. At the present time, I am happy to report that the field of stereotactic radiosurgery is much less riven by such inappropriate posturing. The field has taken many steps towards maturity, both technically and medically. In the course of this matยญ uration process, there have been many grandiose plans and speeches made on behalf of stereotactic radiosurgery. Inevitably, the reality will not live up to the hype, but such is the natural course of develยญ opment in these sorts of matters. However, even though events may not match our hopes, we should keep in mind the words of Herbert Parker. Recognizing that new modalities for the treatment of cancer do not stand much chance of revolutionary success, nevertheless, he quite correctly pointed out that " . . . with any type of radiatiQn, the margin between success and failure is small. If the chance of success is a little greater . . . thĩ might well be classed as a great advance. " Mark H
CONTENT
1: Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Introduction to Physical Principles -- 2: Charged Particle Method: Protons and Heavy Charged Particles -- 3: Focussed Gamma Radiation: The Gamma Knife -- 4: Focussed X-Radiation: The Linear Accelerator Arc Method -- 5: Biologic Basis for Stereotactic Radiosurgery -- 6: Clinical Applications of Stereotactic Radiosurgery
