Introduction

Welcome to “Localization and Treatment Procedures in Radiation Therapy,” a comprehensive Open Educational Resource (OER) that walks you through the fundamental steps of radiation therapy treatment. This book thoroughly explores the treatment localization, planning, and delivery process for various sites, including the Brain, Head & Neck, Breast, Thorax, Abdomen, and Pelvis. The content was designed considering the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) content specifications and clinical competency requirements.

What sets this book apart is its dynamic nature and ability to evolve quickly, much like the field. We have integrated multimedia and interactive content into each chapter, exclusively available online. If you use an online or PDF version of this book, hyperlinks will guide you to multimedia and interactive components. Additionally, glossary terms are conveniently bolded, allowing you to access their definitions with a simple click or by referring to the glossary at the end of the book.

We also extend an invitation to faculty and teaching staff; we encourage you to personalize this OER book according to the specific needs of your program. We invite you to share your customized version with others in the field. We request feedback and resources to add and share with the community. Together, we can exchange knowledge and contribute to the growth and development of the radiation therapy community. We hope this book is an invaluable resource for radiation therapy students and their careers.

*Note – this resource is constantly adapting; additional content, resources, tools and citations will be added to improve its effectiveness. If you have edits, resources, tools, or feedback to share, please direct them to: jared-stiles@uiowa.edu.