Understanding the role of radiotherapy in the multidisciplinary management of cancer patients, its purposes (palliative, curative, definitive, post-operative), delivery methods (external beams, brachytherapy, hadron therapy, dedicated equipment), principles of dose fractionation, and combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Understanding the indications for radiotherapy in the following scenarios: lung carcinoma (small cell and non-small cell), breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, head and neck carcinoma, gastrointestinal carcinoma.
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of the physical, chemical, and biological interactions of matter and ionizing radiation with matter. Basic knowledge of oncology (epidemiology of the most common tumors, multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, carcinogenesis, tumor epidemiology).
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons. Practical exercises with simulated cases.
Assessment Methods
Written exam in a computerized classroom in person. Use of KiroTesting. 15 multiple choice questions (7 radiology, 4 Neuroradiology, 4 Radiotherapy) of which only one is correct and 3 open questions (1 for each module). The scores assigned by each question are weighted to the CFU of each module (Radiology/Neuroradiology/Radiotherapy). The questions may be theoretical or related to the interpretation of images. No penalty for errors. Duration 60 minutes.
Texts
Educational material provided by the teacher.
Contents
Understanding the general principles of oncologic radiotherapy: a) Diagnostic process, staging, therapeutic process, b) Steps in radiotherapy planning: indications, simulation procedures, definition of tumor target volumes and organs at risk, total dose and fractionation, approval and verification of the treatment plan, c) Role of radiotherapy in the following scenarios: lung carcinoma (small cell and non-small cell), breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, head and neck carcinoma, gastrointestinal carcinoma, d) Side effects of radiotherapy for the main clinical scenarios, e) Follow-up of the patient undergoing radiotherapy.