Os princípios físicos do tratamento de câncer por radioterapia

Abstract

With the discovery of X-rays and radioactivity, and with the knowledge obtained by Atomic and Nuclear Physics, a new modality of diagnosing and treating diseases, formerly considered incurable, arises. It is the integration of Physics, Chemistry and Biology to diagnose and treat certain pathology. The diagnosis is in charge of Nuclear Medicine with the use of radioactive tracers and other types of exams. The treatment is performed through radiotherapy, using as main methods teletherapy and brachytherapy. Teletherapy is the modality whose source is far from the patient, around 80 cm to 1 m. Brachytherapy is the radiotherapy treatment that involves the use of a sealed radioactive source next to the diseased tissue, applying doses directly in the area. The general objective of this work is to study the treatment of cancer by radiotherapy, emphasizing the physical principles present in it. The specific objetives are: to analyze the mechanisms of radiotion interaction with matter, as well as the biological affects caused by it, to investigate the treatment of cancer by radiotherapy, observing the origins of the treatment and to demonstrate Physics as a broad field of study that provides several apllications and contributions to branches that are considered essential in society, such as health, through the development of techniques for diagnosis and treatment of pathologies.