Medical Physics
Physics concepts and methodologies are applied in the medical field for diagnostic systems, radiotherapy, and radiation protection from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The following research lines are in progress at DFA:
- Dosimetry in diagnostics and radiotherapy
- Development of predictive models in clinical and dosimetric procedures for external beam radiotherapy treatments
- Evaluation of radiotherapy-induced cancer risk for external beam radiotherapy treatments
Dosimetry in diagnostic and radiotherapy
Faculty: Anna Maria Gueli; Giuseppe Stella
Continuous innovation in both diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and procedures requires high-precision quality control of instrumentation and accurate patient dose assessments. The aim of this research is the characterization of materials for point dose (TLD crystals, OSLD), planar (Gafchromic® films) and volumetric (dosimetric gels) measurements, and at the realization of appropriate in house 3D printed phantoms. The research is carried out in collaboration with Health Care centers.
Development of predictive models in clinical and dosimetric procedures for external beam radiotherapy treatments
Faculty: Anna Maria Gueli; Giuseppe Stella
The main goal is the extraction of radiomic features from dosimetric and diagnostic imaging and their correlation with clinical outcome both in terms of probability of success and side effects. The study is based on patient follow-up and CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) images related to patient positioning in radiotherapy. Another goal is the optimization and automation of contouring procedures for determining the Target Planning Volume. The research is carried out in collaboration with Health Care centers and the DMI (UniCT).
Evaluation of radiotherapy-induced cancer risk for external beam radiotherapy treatments
Faculty: Anna Maria Gueli; Giuseppe Stella
The aim of the research is to evaluate, during the treatment planning phase, the risk of cancer induced on healthy organs by normofractionated, hypofractionated and stereotactic radiotherapy treatments, using smart analytical models. The modeling of the mutation processes, cell death and repopulation allows to estimate a priori this risk and to optimize the treatments from the dosimetric point of view. The research is carried out in collaboration with Health Care centers and the Integrated Cancer Registry CT-ME-EN.
