Fundamentals of Brachytherapy and Therapy with Open Radiation Sources Field of study: Medical Physics
Programme code: W4-S1FM19.2025

Module name: Fundamentals of Brachytherapy and Therapy with Open Radiation Sources
Module code: W4-FM-S1-7-23-33
Programme code: W4-S1FM19.2025
Semester: winter semester 2028/2029
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 2
Purpose and description of the content of education:
During the lecture, the student familiarizes themselves with the following topics: Principles of radioisotope therapy Principles of radioisotope diagnostics Radiosynovectomy Principles of gamma cameras and PET scanners Patient radiation protection Quality control methods in nuclear medicine imaging Application of Monte Carlo methods for calculating dose from radiopharmaceutical administration Development of brachytherapy methods Dose distribution planning systems: Paris system, Stockholm system, Manchester system Brachytherapy techniques: intracavitary, interstitial, and intraluminal Applications: LDR (low-dose rate), HDR (high-dose rate), MDR (medium-dose rate), PDR (pulsed-dose rate), high-dose rate: advantages and limitations Isotopes used in brachytherapy Geometrical forms of radiation sources Dose measurements, dose rates, dose distributions Calculation of absorbed dose: point source dose, line source dose; dose distributions Mathematical modeling of biologically equivalent doses Quality control in brachytherapy: equipment, procedures, dosimetric measurements, legal requirements Dose distribution planning: 2D, 3D, DVH (dose-volume histograms) Dose distribution optimization in HDR: geometric optimization, distance optimization, volume optimization Planning examples: head and neck tumors, lung and esophageal cancer, breast tumors, skin tumors, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, non-neoplastic changes In the laboratory classes, the student familiarizes themselves with selected topics, including: Structure and operation of scintillation counters Structure and operation of gamma cameras Radiobiological determination of RIA (radioimmunoassay) and IRMA (immunoradiometric assay) concentrations Scintigraphy data processing methods Quality control methods in nuclear medicine Structure and operation of HDR (high-dose rate) apparatus Operation principles of treatment planning system used in brachytherapy Quality control in brachytherapy departments The selection of topics covered in the laboratory is determined by the capabilities of the specific teaching unit. As part of their individual work, the student: Strives to consolidate and deepen the topics covered in the lecture based on their own notes and materials and literature recommended by the lecturer Prepares theoretically for laboratory tasks and the issues indicated by the instructor discussed during the preliminary exam before starting the exercises Prepares reports on measurements conducted in the laboratory The lecture is followed by an exam covering the lecture content. Completion of the laboratory classes is a prerequisite for taking the exam.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
Understand the societal significance of using radioactive isotopes in medicine. [E1]
 W01 [5/5]
Possess knowledge of radiation dose distribution planning. [E10]
 W06 [4/5] U03 [4/5] U04 [4/5]
Can evaluate a treatment plan. [E11]
 U07 [3/5] U10 [3/5]
Have knowledge of radiobiology concepts. [E2]
 W06 [3/5]
Are familiar with the structure and theoretical foundations of PET scanners, gamma cameras, and scintillation probes. [E3]
 W03 [4/5] IW01 [4/5]
Are acquainted with quality management systems in medical QA laboratories. [E4]
 IW05 [3/5]
On their acquired knowledge, they can explain the principles of radioisotope therapy and diagnostics. [E5]
 W04 [5/5] U02 [5/5] U04 [5/5] IU02 [5/5]
Can prioritize safety for themselves, their surroundings, and colleagues. [E6]
 K01 [4/5] K03 [4/5] IU09 [4/5]
Understand the development of ionizing radiation treatment methods using sealed radiation sources. [E7]
 W04 [3/5] W06 [3/5]
Are knowledgeable about radiation sources used in treatment. [E8]
 W04 [3/5] W06 [3/5]
Comprehend and can describe the geometric forms used in brachytherapy. [E9]
 W04 [4/5] W08 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [FZ1] 15 Problem-based lecture [b01] 
Lecture-discussion [b02] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating method – seminar / proseminar [b05]  		exam E1 E2 E3 E4 E5
laboratory classes [FZ2] 15 Working with a computer [d01] 
Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  		course work E10 E11 E6 E7 E8 E9
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)