Handbook of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging for Physicists
Modelling, Dosimetry and Radiation Protection, Volume II
📘 About This Book
Mathematical modelling is an important part of nuclear medicine. Therefore, several chapters of this book have been dedicated towards describing this topic. In these chapters, an emphasis has been put on describing the mathematical modelling of the radiation transport of photons and electrons, as well as on the transportation of radiopharmaceuticals between different organs and compartments. It also includes computer models of patient dosimetry. Two chapters of this book are devoted towards introducing the concept of biostatistics and radiobiology. These chapters are followed by chapters detailing dosimetry procedures commonly used in the context of diagnostic imaging, as well as patient-specific dosimetry for radiotherapy treatments. For safety reasons, many of the methods used in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging are tightly regulated. Therefore, this volume also highlights the basic principles for radiation protection. It discusses the process of how guidelines and regulations aimed at minimizing radiation exposure are determined and implemented by international organisations. Finally, this book describes how different dosimetry methods may be utilized depending on the intended target, including whole-body or organ-specific imaging, as well as small-scale to cellular dosimetry. This text will be an invaluable resource for libraries, institutions, and clinical and academic medical physicists searching for a complete account of what defines nuclear medicine. The most comprehensive reference available providing a state-of-the-art overview of the field of nuclear medicine Edited by a leader in the field, with contributions from a team of experienced medical physicists, chemists, engineers, scientists, and clinical medical personnel Includes the latest practical research in the field, in addition to explaining fundamental theory and the field's history
📖 Summary
Michael Ljungberg's Handbook of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging for Physicists, published in 2022 and spanning 495 pages, is an essential resource that delves deeply into the intersection of advanced physics, mathematical modelling, and clinical practice. Because mathematical modelling serves as a fundamental pillar of modern nuclear medicine, a significant portion of this comprehensive volume is dedicated to exploring this intricate topic. The text provides rigorous explanations focusing on the mathematical modelling of radiation transport for both photons and electrons, giving readers a thorough understanding of how these particles behave within physical systems. Furthermore, the book carefully examines the dynamic transportation of radiopharmaceuticals as they move between various organs and biological compartments, offering crucial insights into biodistribution and tracer kinetics. Building upon these transport and distribution principles, the handbook transitions into sophisticated computer models designed specifically for patient dosimetry, allowing medical physicists to accurately calculate and predict radiation absorption. To ensure a well-rounded educational experience, two dedicated chapters introduce the foundational concepts of biostatistics and radiobiology, bridging the gap between physical measurements and biological responses. These theoretical and foundational sections are seamlessly followed by practical chapters detailing standardized dosimetry procedures routinely utilized in diagnostic imaging settings, as well as advanced, patient-specific dosimetry methodologies tailored for personalized radiotherapy treatments. Safety considerations remain a paramount concern throughout medical physics, and the text thoughtfully addresses the safety-driven rationale behind many of the methodologies and protocols routinely employed in nuclear medicine. By weaving together complex mathematical frameworks, computational dosimetry, statistical evaluation, and practical clinical applications, Ljungberg has crafted an authoritative and comprehensive guide that serves as a cornerstone reference for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of molecular imaging and therapeutic nuclear medicine.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides detailed coverage of mathematical modelling in nuclear medicine.
Includes thorough explanations of photon and electron radiation transport.
Bridges physical principles with biostatistics and radiobiology concepts.
Offers practical insights into patient-specific dosimetry for radiotherapy.
⚠️ Cons
May be too mathematically dense for casual readers.
Focuses heavily on physics and modelling, offering less clinical narrative.
❓ FAQ
Who authored the Handbook of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging for Physicists? +
The book was authored by Michael Ljungberg.
When was this book published? +
It was published in 2022.
How many pages does the book contain? +
The book spans 495 pages.
What core topic occupies several chapters of the book? +
Several chapters are dedicated to mathematical modelling, particularly regarding radiation transport and radiopharmaceutical movement.
Does the book cover dosimetry for both diagnostics and therapy? +
Yes, it details dosimetry procedures for diagnostic imaging and patient-specific dosimetry for radiotherapy treatments.







