Advances in Medical Physics: Bridging Physics and Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Medical Physics is central in health care advancement through application of physical principles into viable healthcare practices. This paper discusses the recent developments in two main aspects- diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy- under the perspective of translational medicine- the focus of which is to transfer scientific innovations into a setting of patient care. Imaging modalities with machine learning-based image reconstruction and hybrids, e.g. PET/MRI are demonstrated to increase diagnostic accuracy by reducing artifacts and improving lesion contrast. In therapeutic practice, proton and heavy-ion beam technologies allow the delivery of more accurate dosages, decreasing effects of toxicity to adjacent tissues. Computational modeling and adaptive radiotherapy are further examples of how innovations based on physics are supporting enhanced safety and organ-tailored treatment planning. Regardless of these successes, there are still cost, standardization, and fair access crossings in the health care systems. The conclusion of the study is that enhanced interdisciplinary cooperation, clinical validation and policies that can make these innovations effective and affordable in various clinical environments are the requirements needed to drive sustained improvement in medical physics.