Physics of Radiotherapy

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental physics principles that underpin modern radiotherapy practice. Designed for medical physics students, radiation oncology trainees, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding, it covers everything from the basics of cancer biology to the advanced technologies used in treatment delivery.

Learners will develop a strong grasp of how ionising radiation interacts with tissue, how radiation beams are generated and shaped, and how accurate dose delivery is planned and verified. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical concepts relevant to treatment planning, quality assurance, and emerging techniques like IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, and adaptive radiotherapy.

By the end of this course, students will be equipped to understand the physics behind external beam radiotherapy and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary cancer care.

CERTIFICATION

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the biological and physical basis of radiotherapy

  • Understand cancer development, clonogenic theory, and radiotherapy’s role in cancer care.

  Describe and compare radiation types and their clinical uses

  • X-rays, electrons, protons, heavy ions; depth dose characteristics and applications.

  Understand and apply key radiation quantities and units

  • Absorbed dose, equivalent dose, exposure, kerma.

  Explain radiation interactions at therapeutic energies

  • Photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, pair production, and their relevance to dose deposition.

  Describe linear accelerator operation and beam characteristics

  • Components, X-ray production, beam modifiers (MLC, wedges, bolus).

  Interpret and evaluate treatment plans

  • Isodose distributions, DVH, target volumes (GTV, CTV, PTV), organ at risk considerations.

  Discuss advanced radiotherapy technologies

  • IMRT, VMAT, IGRT, SRS, SBRT, adaptive radiotherapy.

  Identify basic QA procedures and radiation protection principles

  • Daily/periodic QA checks, shielding design, occupational dose limits.