3 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Sterpin Edmond;
Language
French
Main themes
A. INTRODUCTION
- Definition of absorbed dose, KERMA and CEMA
- Different types of ionizing beams used in radiotherapy
B. INTERACTIONS WITH MATTER
- Charged particles
- Photons.
- Neutrons.
C. INTEGRATING DOSIMETRY DETECTORS
- Calibration chain for dosimetry detectors
- Calorimetry
- Ionization Chambers.
- Thermoluminescence.
- Films.
- Diodes.
- Chemical dosimetry
D. DETERMINATION OF THE ABSORBED DOSE IN A CLINICAL BEAM UNDER REFERENCE CONDITIONS
- Calibration of an ion chamber in terms of Air-KERMA
- Calibration of an ion chamber in terms of absorbed dose in water
- Dosimetry recommendations
based on Air-Kerma standards
based on absorbed dose in water
- Determination of the absorbed dose under non-reference conditions
- Dosimetry audits
E. INTRODUCTION TO RADIOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES
Content
This teaching unit consists in acquiring the theoretical and practical principles of radiotherapy dosimetry and quality assurance in order to train the medical physicist in his/her main missions in a radiotherapy center. Aspects specific to proton therapy are also discussed.
The course is organized around six main themes:
1. The interactions of particles with matter from the point of view of the medical physicist working in a radiotherapy center
2. Cavity theory for the determination of the absorbed dose in the medium
3. The properties of the detectors typically used
4. Reference dosimetry for calibration of treatment units
5. Dosimetry of small fields
6. An introduction to quality assurance procedures
The course is organized around six main themes:
1. The interactions of particles with matter from the point of view of the medical physicist working in a radiotherapy center
2. Cavity theory for the determination of the absorbed dose in the medium
3. The properties of the detectors typically used
4. Reference dosimetry for calibration of treatment units
5. Dosimetry of small fields
6. An introduction to quality assurance procedures
Teaching methods
The course is essentially given in lecture format. However, students will have to present themselves parts of the course ("reverse teaching") to promote dynamic learning.
1 session of exercises is also scheduled.
Finally, an evening will be devoted to illustrate the reference dosimetry on a device of the radiotherapy center of Saint-Luc University Clinics.
1 session of exercises is also scheduled.
Finally, an evening will be devoted to illustrate the reference dosimetry on a device of the radiotherapy center of Saint-Luc University Clinics.
Evaluation methods
The assessment is done entirely on the day of the exam. This consists of a written part and an oral part. The written part is done with open notebook and accounts for 80%. It consists of a theoretical part and exercises. The oral part (closed notebook) accounts for 20%.
Other information
Slideshows and media are in English. The preferred language for the course is French, but English can be considered on request.
Online resources
All slideshows and most appendices are on Moodle
Bibliography
- Tous les transparents disponibles sur moodle et dispensés lors des cours magistraux
- Handbook of Radiotherapy Physics (Mayles, Nahum, Rosenwald)
- Les protocoles de dosimétrie IAEA TRS-398, IAEA TRS-483, AAPM TG-43U et AAPM TG-51
Teaching materials
- Tous les transparents disponibles sur moodle et dispensés lors des cours magistraux
Faculty or entity
MED
