Practical aspects of using nuclear physics methods in medicine: the case of radiation therapy

Modern medicine is currently undergoing active implementation of high-tech diagnostic and treatment methods, among which nuclear physics technologies hold a special place. These methods, based on the use of ionizing radiation, open new possibilities in the fight against oncological diseases, enabling highly precise targeting of pathological foci while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Radiation therapy, as one of the key tools in radiation oncology, continues to evolve, offering increasingly advanced methods for delivering therapeutic doses of radiation.

The relevance of this work stems from the need to systematize modern approaches to planning and conducting radiation therapy, as well as the importance of disseminating knowledge about new technologies among medical professionals. The article provides a detailed examination of the practical applications of nuclear physics methods, ranging from the fundamental principles of medical accelerators to cutting-edge techniques such as 3D conformal therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).