Physics is essential knowledge for radiation oncology practice. Understanding the physical concepts behind x-ray generation, brachytherapy sources, and beam attenuation allow the radiation oncologist to have a real understanding of the roles of the different tools available.
Physics is best considered in three stages:
- Foundation: Basic concepts for those just starting out. These should give you a foundation level of knowledge so you can understand the principles behind the function of the machines in radiation oncology
- Intermediate: Intermediate topics cover most aspects of radiation oncology physics, and are typically examinable in pure physics examinations.
- Advanced: Applied use of the physics knowledge acquired in the intermediate topics comes with ongoing practice of radiation oncology. These advanced topics integrate physics into everyday practice. Advanced topics also cover the management of physics in the department, as well as new technologies that may not yet be available in most clinics.
Foundation Topics
1: Radiation and Interactions with Matter
The fundamental building blocks of radiation oncology physics. A discussion of the structure of matter (as currently thought) followed by discussion of the various interactions that can occur between photons, electrons and matter.
- 1.1: Structure of Matter
- 1.2: Electron Interactions
- 1.3 - Photon Interactions
- 1.4 - Photon Attenuation
- 1.5 - Photon Generation
2: Introduction to Photon Beam Radiotherapy
A brief introduction into the design of simple x-ray tubes, more complex accelerators, and the physical aspects of the beams generated by these devices.
- 2.1 - Construction Of An X-Ray Tube
- 2.2 - Construction Of A Linear Accelerator
- 2.3 - Properties Of Photon Beams
3: Introduction to Electron Beam Radiotherapy
Electrons have replaced superficial and orthovoltage x-ray machines in many departments. Their unique properties makes understanding of their benefits and weaknesses over photons essential.
4: Fundamentals of Radiation Protection
A summary of radiation protection issues which is essential to protect staff and patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
5: Fundamental Radiation Quantities and Units
Several important radiation units are defined in this small topic.
Intermediate Topics
6: Radioactivity
- 6.1 - Radioactive Decay Processes
- 6.2 - Radionuclide Production
- 6.3 - Radioactive Decay
- 6.4 - Radioactivity Definitions
7: Imaging Modalities
- 7.1 - Principles Of X Ray Imaging
- 7.2 - Principles Of CT Scanning
- 7.3 - Principles Of MRI Scanning
- 7.4 - Principles Of Nuclear Medicine
- 7.5 - Principles Of Ultrasound
- 7.6 - Imaging Devices In The Radiotherapy Bunker
8: Photon Beam Radiotherapy
- 8.1 - Cobalt 60 Teletherapy
- 8.2 - Measurement Of Photon Beams
- 8.3 - Photon Beam Dose Distribution
- 8.4 - Photon Beam Modification
- 8.5 - Photon Beam Treatment Techniques
- 8.6 - Photon Beam Calculations
9: Electron Beam Radiotherapy
- 9.1 - Measurement Of Electron Beams
- 9.2 - Electron Beam Dose Distribution
- 9.3 - Electron Beam Modifiers
- 9.4 - Effects Of Inhomogeneity And Contour Irregularity
10: Radiation Measuring Devices
11: Treatment Planning and Delivery
- 11.01 - Simulation
- 11.02 - ICRU Reports 50 and 62
- 11.03 - 2D And 3D Planning
- 11.04 - Principles Of IMRT
- 11.05 - Patient Data Acquisition
- 11.06 - Choice of beam and modifiers
- 11.07 - Field Junctioning
- 11.08 - Calculation Of Monitor Units
- 11.09 - Dose Calculation Algorithms
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11.10 - Accuracy Of Treatment Planning And Delivery
- 11.10.1 - Patient Immobilisation And Monitoring
- 11.10.2 - Image Guided Radiotherapy
- 11.10.3 - Consistency Of Contours During Treatment
- 11.10.4 - Accuracy And Tolerance
- 11.10.5 - Determination Of Accuracy
- 11.10.6 - Types Of Errors
- 11.10.7 - Avoidance And Detection Of Dose Delivery Errors
- 11.10.8 - Errors Due To Computer Control
- 11.10.9 - In Vivo Dosimetry
12: Brachytherapy
- 12.1 - Properties Of Sealed Sources
- 12.2 - Management Of Sealed Sources
- 12.3 - Measurement Of Sealed Sources
- 12.4 - Summary Of Sealed Sources
- 12.5 - Sealed Source Brachytherapy
13: Unsealed Sources
- Unsealed Source Concepts
- Methods of Dose Estimation
- Properties of Unsealed Sources
- Management of Unsealed Sources
- Summary of Common Unsealed Sources
14: Radiation Protection
Advanced Topics
These advanced topics are required for practice as a radiation oncologist.
15: Applied External Photon Beam Radiotherapy
- 15.1 - Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- 15.2: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
- 15.3: Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
- 15.5 - Applied Stereotactic Treatment
16: Applied Electron Beam Radiotherapy
17: Applied Brachytherapy
- 17.1: Clinical Uses of Brachytherapy
- 17.2 - Clinical Applications of Varying Dose Rates
- ICRU Brachytherapy Reports
