Physics of Nuclear Medicine

Recommended Prerequisites

At the beginning of this curricular unit, the student must have knowledge of Radiation Physics, of Interaction of Radiation with Matter and of Radiation Detectors.

Teaching Methods

Teaching:

• Theoretical lectures (50%);

• Practical classes in a clinical and laboratory environment (30%)

• Presentations by students (10%)

• Tutorial: follow-up of the presentations and synthesis work to be done by the students (10%).

The knowledge assessment tests are as follows:

- Written summary work and oral presentation (40%)

- Final exam (60%).

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this curricular unit is to provide students with a solid foundation in the physics, radiochemistry/radiopharmacy and instrumentation concepts underlying the new techniques of molecular imaging using radioisotopes in diagnosis and therapy applications. It focuses in particular on the production and clinical application of radiopharmaceuticals and imaging techniques in nuclear medicine, establishing bridges between nuclear and particle physics with biochemistry and physiology, without neglecting the detection and use of radiation as an imaging agent. It transmits the intellectual mechanisms of understanding and rigor underlying the scientific method that so clearly appear in the field of physics, along with the notions of engineering inherent in the adopted technological solutions.their integration as a whole.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction: The Hevesy Principle

1.1. From radioactive decay to image

1.2. Markers and Radioactive tracers

2. Production of radioisotopes

2.1. Cyclotron and Generators

2.2. Nuclear reactors

3. Radiation counting and non-imaging instrumentation

3.1. Wells counters

3.2. Dose counters

3.3. Quality control

3. Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy

3.1. Methods and techniques of radioactive marking in radiochemistry

3.2. Radiopharmacy and Quality Control

3.3. Introduction to the Regulatory Concepts of Medication

4. Instrumentation in Molecular Imaging

4.1. Non-tomographic modalities

4.2. SPECT

4.3. PET

4.4. Multimodality

4.5. Acceptance of equipment

5. Introduction to clinical application

5.1. Nuclear Medicine: diagnosis

5.2. Therapy with radioisotopes

5.3. Theranostics

6. Radiological Protection in Nuclear Medicine

6.1. Internal and environmental dosimetry

6.2. Dosimetric control of professionals

6.3. Radiation Protection Programs.

Head Lecturer(s)

Francisco José Cerqueira Alves

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

JJPLima (ed) : Nuclear Medicine Physics, CRC Press, 2010

S. Cherry, J. Sorenson and M. Phelps, Physics in Nuclear Medicine, Elsevier    2012.

Saha, G.B. : Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy. 2003. 5th ed. Springer-Verlag

AAPM report series

IAEA Tech Docs series

Pharmacopeia Europeia