Basic Therapeutic Medical Physics

Abstract

This article gives a tutorial on basic therapeutic medical physics. Medical health physics dealing with the issue of radiation protection for personnel and the public in the radiation environment is explained first. Next, we introduce the concept of absorbed dose related to energy deposition in tissues and then dosimetry instrumentation. Three-dimensional treatment planning systems that are now an integral component of modern radiation therapy are described. External beam radiation therapy, particle beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy are briefly described. The change in quality assurance for contemporary radiation therapy program is highlighted.

Keywords: Absorbed dose; Brachytherapy; External beam radiation therapy; Particle beam therapy; Quality assurance; Radiation protection; Treatment planning systems.