This book summarizes basic knowledge of atomic, nuclear, and radiation physics that professionals need for efficient and safe use of ionizing radiation. Concentrating on the underlying principles of radiation physics, it covers prerequisite knowledge for medical physics courses on the graduate and post-graduate levels, providing the link between elementary physics on the one hand and the intricacies of the medical physics specialties on the other.
New developments in the application of radiation to medicine are occurring so rapidly that this is possibly the fastest growing branch of medicine today. In the past decade alone, we have seen enormous progress made in tech niques used both for the diagnosis of disease, such as computerized tomography, digital radiography, ultrasonography, computerized nuclear medicine scanning, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and for its treatment, such as the radiotherapeutic utilization of high-LET radiations, and the widespread application of computers to perform elegant dosimetry calculations for 3-D treatment planning and imaging. This series will provide in-depth reviews of the many spectacular technical advances and sophisticated concepts, which are developing in medical radiation physics at such an alarming rate that it has become increasingly difficult to keep one's knowledge up-to-date. These comprehen sive review articles will help to bridge the communications gap between the international research community, and the medical physicists and phy sicians whose responsibility it is to put these advances into clinical use. These articles should also be of value to the increasing number of physical scientists and engineers who are interested in the application of their knowledge and talents to the field of medicine.
The Progress in Medical Radiation Physics series presents in-depth reviews of many of the significant developments resulting from the application of physics to medicine. This series is intended to span the gap between research papers published in scientific journals, which tend to lack details, and complete textbooks or theses, which are usually far more detailed than necessary to provide a working knowledge of the subject. Each chapter in this series is designed to provide just enough information to enable readers to both fully understand the development described and apply the technique or concept, if they so desire. Thorough references are provided for those who wish to consider the original literature. In this way, it is hoped that the Progress in Medical Radiation Physics series will be a catalyst encouraging medical physicists to apply new techniques and developments in their daily practice. Colin G. Orton ix Contents 1-1. The Tracking Cobalt Project: From Moving-Beam Therapy to Three-Dimensional Programmed Irradiation W. A. Jennings 1. Introduction 2. Establishing Moving-Beam Techniques at the Royal Northern Hospital, 1945-1955 4 2.1. Alternative Moving-Beam Techniques 4 2.2.
Introducing the 2nd edition of our highly respected radiation therapy textbook. It covers the field of radiation physics with a perfect mix of depth, insight, and humor.The 2nd edition has been guided by the 2018 ASTRO core curriculum for radiation oncology residents. Novice physicists will find the book useful when studying for board exams, with helpful chapter summaries, appendices, and extra end-of-chapter problems and questions. It features new material on digital x-ray imaging, neutron survey meters, flattening-filter free and x-band linacs, biological dose indices, electronic brachytherapy, OSLD, Cerenkov radiation, FMEA, total body irradiation, and more.Also included:·Updated graphics in full color for increased understanding.·Appendices on board certifications in radiation therapy for ·ABR, AART, and Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.·Dosimetry Data·A full index
This new book educates readers about new technologies before they appear in hospitals, enabling medical physicists and clinicians to prepare for new technologies thoroughly and proactively, and provide better patient care once new equipment becomes available. Emerging technologies in imaging, treatment planning, treatment delivery, dosimetry and informatics are all discussed. The book is divided into three parts: recently developed technologies available for practice; technologies under development nearing completion; and technologies in an early stage of development that could have potential radiotherapy applications. Features: Introduces emerging technologies in imaging, treatment planning, treatment delivery, dosimetry and informatics The advantages and limitations of each technology in clinical settings are discussed, and recommendations on how to adopt the technologies are provided Critiques and improvement points are provided for researchers, in addition to suggestions on how to prepare quality assurance are provided as needed
The Physics of Conformal Radiotherapy: Advances in Technology provides a thorough overview of conformal radiotherapy and biological modeling, focusing on the underlying physics and methodology of three-dimensional techniques in radiation therapy. This carefully written, authoritative account evaluates three-dimensional treatment planning, optimization, photon multileaf collimation, proton therapy, transit dosimetry, intensity-modulation techniques, and biological modeling. It is an invaluable teaching guide and reference for all medical physicists and radiation oncologists/therapists that use conformal radiotherapy.
Nearly 20 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out each year in the United States alone to diagnose and treat cancers, cardiovascular disease, and certain neurological disorders. Many of the advancements in nuclear medicine have been the result of research investments made during the past 50 years where these procedures are now a routine part of clinical care. Although nuclear medicine plays an important role in biomedical research and disease management, its promise is only beginning to be realized. Advancing Nuclear Medicine Through Innovation highlights the exciting emerging opportunities in nuclear medicine, which include assessing the efficacy of new drugs in development, individualizing treatment to the patient, and understanding the biology of human diseases. Health care and pharmaceutical professionals will be most interested in this book's examination of the challenges the field faces and its recommendations for ways to reduce these impediments.
The fifth edition of this respected book encompasses all the advances and changes that have been made since it was last revised. It not only presents new ideas and information, it shifts its emphases to accurately reflect the inevitably changing perspectives in the field engendered by progress in the understanding of radiological physics. The rapid development of computing technology in the three decades since the publication of the fourth edition has enabled the equally rapid expansion of radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiobiology. This book is written to help the practitioners in these fields understand the physical science, as well as to serve as a basic tool for physics students who intend working as medical radiation physicists in these clinical fields.
Physics at the beginning of the twenty-first century has reached new levels of accomplishment and impact in a society and nation that are changing rapidly. Accomplishments have led us into the information age and fueled broad technological and economic development. The pace of discovery is quickening and stronger links with other fields such as the biological sciences are being developed. The intellectual reach has never been greater, and the questions being asked are more ambitious than ever before. Physics in a New Era is the final report of the NRC's six-volume decadal physics survey. The book reviews the frontiers of physics research, examines the role of physics in our society, and makes recommendations designed to strengthen physics and its ability to serve important needs such as national security, the economy, information technology, and education.
The connections between modern physics and medical technology Many remarkable medical technologies, diagnostic tools, and treatment methods have emerged as a result of modern physics discoveries in the last century—including X-rays, radiation treatment, laser surgery, high-resolution ultrasound scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. This undergraduate-level textbook describes the fundamental physical principles underlying these technological advances, emphasizing their applications to the practice of modern medicine. Intended for science and engineering students with one year of introductory physics background, this textbook presents the medical applications of fundamental principles of physics to students who are considering careers in medical physics, biophysics, medicine, or nuclear engineering. It also serves as an excellent reference for advanced students, as well as medical and health researchers, practitioners, and technicians who are interested in developing the background required to understand the changing landscape of medical science. Practice exercises are included and solutions are available separately in an instructor's manual. Complete discussion of the fundamental physical principles underlying modern medicine Accessible exploration of the physics encountered in a typical visit to a doctor Practice exercises are included and solutions are provided in a separate instructor’s manual (available to professors) A companion website (modernphysicsinmedicine.com) presents supplementary materials
