PHYSICS FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY

Educational Objectives

The course aims to provide a solid theoretical and practical foundation in the physical principles underlying diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in the medical field. Students will acquire knowledge on radiation sources, image formation and analysis, radiation quality characterization, dosimetry methods, radiotherapy techniques (both conventional and advanced), and the biological effects of ionizing radiation.

Knowledge and Understanding

Critical understanding of the most advanced developments in Modern Physics in its theoretical, experimental, and interdisciplinary aspects.

Knowledge of the physical principles of major medical imaging techniques (CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, etc.) and the underlying processes of image formation.

Understanding of radiation quality characterization (photons, electrons, protons, ions) and of relevant dosimetric parameters.

Knowledge of the physical, molecular, and cellular effects of ionizing radiation, as well as tissue radiosensitivity.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Application of the scientific method to describe physical phenomena, design experiments, and analyze data, including those with biological implications.

Ability to plan radiotherapy treatments, taking into account radiation quality and its effects on both target and non-target tissues.

Use of mathematical, computational, and numerical analysis tools, including simulation and programming software.

Ability to apply analogies and known solutions to new problems (problem solving).

Design and implementation of theoretical and experimental procedures in academic, clinical, or industrial settings.

Making Judgements

Critical evaluation of radiation techniques and sources for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Ability to interpret and manage dosimetric variables in clinical contexts.

Awareness of safety and radiation protection issues in experimental and clinical activities.

Development of a sense of responsibility in managing projects and academic choices (e.g., elective courses, thesis topics).

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate effectively in both Italian and English in specialized and non-specialized contexts.

Skills in presenting research or review activities to audiences with different levels of expertise.

Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, adapting communication styles to interlocutors from diverse backgrounds.

Learning Skills

Development of tools for continuous knowledge updating in the scientific field. Ability to access and critically use scientific literature and specialized databases. Acquisition of autonomy in managing personal study and research activities.

Lectures and Teaching Methods Frontal and theoretical–practical lessons, as well as in-depth seminars, for the full 6 ECTS credits.

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

To successfully follow the course, students are expected to have a basic understanding of radiation physics, particularly electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, including the distinction between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. A solid grasp of the fundamental principles governing the interaction of radiation with matter—both electromagnetic radiation and charged or neutral particles—is also required. Additional essential knowledge includes atomic and nuclear structure, radioactive decay processes, the basic functioning of radiation detectors, and the fundamental concepts of ionizing radiation dosimetry.

Attendance to the course is generally mandatory (please refer to the Course Regulations).

Image Characteristics: Image formation. Analog and digital images. Key image parameters. Contrast resolution and spatial resolution.

Clinical Imaging Techniques: X-ray radiography. Computed Tomography (CT). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Ultrasound imaging techniques.

Elements of Dosimetry: Quality control in diagnostic imaging. Dosimetry in diagnostic applications.

Radiation Quality Characterization: Photon and electron beams produced by linear accelerators (LinAc), proton and ion beams. Quality parameters for radiation sources used in brachytherapy and nuclear medicine.

Dosimetry in Radiotherapy: Absolute dose measurements using ionization chambers and theoretical aspects (Bragg-Gray cavity theory and derived concepts and theorems). Specific dosimetric methods for advanced internal and external radiotherapy techniques.

Conventional and Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques: Dose distribution and scatter analysis. Special techniques for internal and external radiotherapy.

Attix F.H., "Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry", Wiley, 2007, 598 pp.

Bushberg J.T, Seibert J.A., Leidholdt E.M. Jr., Boone J.M., "The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging", Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012, 1030

Dowsett D.J., Kenny P.A. and Johnston R. E., "The Physics of Diagnostic Imaging", CRC Press, 2006, 725 pp.

Gonzales R.C. and Woods R. E., "Elaborazione delle immagini digitali", Pearson Pertice Hall, 2008, 820 pp.

Greening J.R., "Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry", CRC Press, 1985, 190 pp.

Hendee W. R. and Ritenour E.R., "Medical Imaging Physics", Wiley-Liss, 2002, 512 pp.

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).

Recent scientific papers.

Lecture materials provided by the teacher

Oral exam

Differences between analog and digital images

Image resolution

Point Spread Function (PSF) and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Images from digital radiographic systems

Image reconstruction in CT

Image formation in MRI

Quality of photon, proton, and electron beams

Dosimetric methods

Quality assurance in radiotherapy

Stereotactic radiotherapy

Principles of brachytherapy