402-0342-00L  Medical Physics II

SemesterSpring Semester 2015
LecturersP. Manser
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractApplications of ionizing radiation in medicine such as radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and radiation diagnostics. Theory of dosimetry based on cavity theory and clinical consequences. Fundamentals of dose calculation, optimization and evaluation. Concepts of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Recent and future developments: IMRT, IGRT, SRS/SBRT, particle therapy.
ObjectiveGetting familiar with the different medical applications of ionizing radiation in the fields of radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and radiation diagnostics. Dealing with concepts such as external beam radiation therapy as well as brachytherapy for the treatment of cancer patients. Understanding the fundamental cavity theory for dose measurements and its consequences on clinical practice. Understanding different delivery techniques such as IMRT, IGRT, SRS/SBRT, brachytherapy, particle therapy using protons, heavy ions or neutrons. Understanding the principles of dose calculation, optimization and evaluation for radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and radiation diagnostic applications. Finally, the lecture aims to demonstrate that medical physics is a fascinating and evolving discipline where physics can directly be used for the benefits of patients and the society.
ContentIn this lecture, the use of ionizing radiation in different clinical applications is discussed. Primarily, we will concentrate on radiation therapy and will cover applications such as external beam radiotherapy with photons and electrons, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image guided radiotherapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery, brachytherapy, particle therapy using protons, heavy ions or neutrons. In addition, dosimetric methods based on cavity theory are reviewed and principles of treatment planning (dose calculation, optimization and evaluation) are discussed. Next to these topics, applications in nuclear medicine and radiation diagnostics are explained with the clear focus on dosimetric concepts and behaviour.
Lecture notesA script will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticeIt is recommended that the students have taken the lecture Medical Physics I in advance.