PHYSICS FOR THERAPY

Learning objectives

Acquire knowledge about the different radiation sources used in radiotherapy, understand the characterization of radiation quality and dosimetry methods, explore conventional and non-conventional radiotherapy techniques, and comprehend the molecular and cellular effects of ionizing radiation, with a focus on radiosensitivity and emerging technological and radiobiological frontiers.

Knowledge and understanding

Critical understanding of the most advanced developments in Modern Physics, both in theoretical and laboratory aspects, and their interconnections, including interdisciplinary fields.

Ability to understand and interpret the characterization of radiation quality, including photon, electron, proton, and ion beams, and the quality indicators for different radiotherapy treatment modalities.

Ability to understand the relationship between the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter and its physical and biological effects induced in therapy.

Knowledge of the main dosimetric principles in therapy.

Ability to understand conventional and non-conventional radiotherapy techniques and how to ensure the quality and safety of radiotherapy treatments.

Knowledge of the biological effects of ionizing radiation at the molecular and cellular levels, with particular attention to cellular radiosensitivity, extra-target effects, and potential radiobiological innovations in cancer treatment.

Ability to apply knowledge

Ability to apply acquired knowledge to describe physical phenomena using the scientific method with rigor.

Ability to design simple experiments and analyze the experimental data obtained in all areas of interest within Medical Physics, including those with biological implications.

Ability to qualitatively understand the effects of ionizing radiation with different characteristics.

Understanding of radiotherapy treatment planning using various radiation sources, considering radiation quality and the biological effects on both target and non-target tissues.

Autonomy of judgment

Ability to apply critical reasoning in evaluating radiation techniques and sources.

Ability to connect the basic concepts of energy release in matter with the fundamental principles of clinical dosimetry.

Ability to interpret and manage dosimetric variables in radiotherapy.

Ability to assess the accuracy of measurements, the linearity of instrumental responses, and the sensitivity and selectivity of the techniques used.

Communication skills

Ability to communicate in both Italian and English in advanced fields of Physics.

Ability to present one's research or review activity to a specialized or general audience.

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, adapting communication methods to interlocutors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Learning ability

Ability to acquire appropriate knowledge tools for continuous updating of knowledge.

Ability to access specialized literature in the chosen field as well as in scientifically related fields.

Ability to use databases and bibliographic and scientific resources to extract information and insights that help better frame and develop one's study and research work.

Lectures and theoretical-practical sessions, in-depth seminars for all 6 CFU.

Cooperative teaching (student-teacher) through the sharing of educational materials and multimedia resources.

Attendance at the course is generally mandatory (please refer to the Course Regulation of the Study Program).

Radiation sources for radiotherapy: Linear Accelerator (LinAc), irradiation facilities with radioisotopes, radioactive sources for brachytherapy and nuclear medicine. (6 hours)

Characterization of radiation quality: Photon and electron beams produced by LinAc, proton and ion beams, quality parameters for radiation sources in brachytherapy and nuclear medicine. (6 hours)

Dosimetry in radiotherapy: The Bragg-Gray cavity theory and its experimental verification. The effect of δ-rays in the Spencer and Attix analysis of the cavity theory. Fano's theorem and its implications in dosimetry. The revision of the Bragg-Gray theory by Spencer and Attix. Characteristics of real cavity chambers and ionization chambers calibrated for absorbed dose in water. Dosimetry of small radiation fields. Dosimetric methods specific to brachytherapy and nuclear medicine. Instruments used in radiotherapy dosimetry. (10 hours)

Conventional and non-conventional radiotherapy: Dose distribution and dispersion analysis. Quality assurance in radiotherapy. Stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery. Stereotactic body radiotherapy. Brachytherapy. Proton beam therapy and high dose rate therapies. (12 hours)

Molecular effects of ionizing radiation: Cellular effects of ionizing radiation exposure, measurement of cell survival and radiosensitivity. Extra-target effects. Basics of tumor biology. New frontiers in radiotherapy treatment based on radiobiological phenomena and technological advancements. (8 hours)

-Introduction to radiological physics and radiation dosimetry, F.H. Attix, Wiley-VCH Verlag

-The Physics of radiation therapy, F.M. Khan, third edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

-Radiobiology for the Radiologist, Eric J. Hall Amato J. Giaccia 7th edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
-Radiation Biology: a Handbook for Teachers and Students Training Course Series No. 42 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

-Nuclear medicine physics: a handbook for students and teachers. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

- Material provided by the teacher

- Scientific paper

Quality of photon, proton, and electron beams.

Bragg-Gray cavity theory.

Dosimetric methods.

Quality assurance in radiotherapy.

Stereotactic radiotherapy.

Principles of Brachytherapy.

What is the relationship between absorbed dose and biological damage? Discuss the importance of equivalent dose and effective dose.

Describe the main biological effects of radiation at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole-organism levels.