Latest Talking point
Talking point RSS feedMR-guidance: the next step for IGRT?
Feb 25, 2010
As imaging becomes an indispensable part of the radiotherapy process, will MR-guided treatment prove the way forward?
Molecular imaging: a cancer biomarker
Jan 19, 2010
As cancer therapies become increasingly individualized, functional and molecular imaging can play a key role in directing treatment and monitoring early response. David Mankoff from the University of Washington explains.
Proton therapy: future directions
Dec 16, 2009
What does the future hold for proton therapy, and which technologies will enable its progression? An expert panel discusses.
Mammography CAD: more than a perception aid
Nov 17, 2009
CAD technology should operate with at least the same performance level as an expert reader. Nico Karssemeijer discusses steps in this direction.
In vivo dosimetry: implementation issues
Oct 28, 2009
In vivo radiotherapy dosimetry has a great deal to offer, so why is it not more widely deployed? Writing in the British Journal of Radiology, Craig Edwards takes a closer look.
Bringing medical physics to the developing world
Sep 25, 2009
Setting up medical physics facilities in developing countries requires not only access to appropriate systems, but also effective training of staff to operate and maintain this equipment. Henry Lawrence discusses his experiences.
Threats to ultra-high-field MRI
Aug 27, 2009
A European directive designed to prevent workers from being exposed to high magnetic fields could potentially have a severe impact on research into MRI, warns Denis Le Bihan.
Radiation therapy risks: prioritizing patient safety
Aug 4, 2009
In a comprehensive review of radiotherapy safety incidents, Jesmin Shafiq and Michael Barton reveal that although errors leading to serious incidents are rare, it's vital that treatment centres implement and continually monitor risk-reducing measures.
Volumetric-modulated arc therapy: its role in radiation therapy
Jun 25, 2009
VMAT is currently a hot topic in radiotherapy. But it's still lacking a universal theory relating the resulting dose distribution and clinical outcome to input parameters, explains Steve Webb.
The potential of PET: a closer look
Jun 8, 2009
PET/CT shows great potential for target delineation in radiation therapy planning. In a recent paper in the journal Academic Radiology, Habib Zaidi reviews progress in molecular-imaging-guided radiotherapy.
Latest Editorial articles
Editorial articles RSS feedMedical isotope supplies: a game plan for the future
Dec 8, 2008 (1 comment)
A Canadian task force has identified a promising alternative method for making large quantities of Mo-99, using natural uranium and photons from a high-power accelerator.
Medical physicists: preparing for change
Oct 27, 2008 (6 comments)
As the boundaries between medical disciplines become increasingly blurred and those between diagnosis, therapy and management follow suit, how can medical physicists adapt to these changing needs?
Radiotherapy: challenges old and new
Sep 24, 2008
Long-standing tasks such as dealing with organ motion, as well as the new challenges arising from state-of-the-art beam-delivery systems, were the talk of this year's ESTRO meeting.
Ionizing radiation: the double-edged sword
Aug 15, 2008
With cancer survivors now younger and living longer, it's pertinent to ask whether recent advances in conformal radiotherapy modalities come at a latent cost.
High-performance computing: shaping medicine's future
Jul 14, 2008
Tools such as grid networks and supercomputers will play a vital supporting role in biomedical research and clinical development.
Cellular imaging draws disciplines together
Jun 10, 2008
The traditionally diverse disciplines of biology and physics are finding common ground in the effort to image cellular functions.
Particle therapy: protons and beyond
May 14, 2008
Most particle-therapy treatments are performed using proton beams; but could carbon ions ever become a practical alternative?
Optical imaging comes to the fore
Apr 17, 2008
Optics-based techniques such as fluorescence and Raman imaging are poised to play a bigger role in cancer diagnostics.
Setting the standards for IMRT
Mar 20, 2008 (1 comment)
Wide variations in dose prescription and delivery between institutions highlight the pressing need for universal IMRT planning and reporting guidelines.
Technology assessment: why magical thinking won't do
Feb 25, 2008
Newer isn't always better, which is why a rigorous examination of emerging clinical technologies is in everyone's interest.