The importance of patient-specific dose calculations in nuclear medicine

Abstract

As therapeutic uses of radionuclides in nuclear medicine increases, the use of patient-specific methods for calculation of radiation dose becomes more important. In this manuscript basic methods and resources for internal dose calculations are outlined, with a focus on how current changes and advances are making more accurate and detailed, patient-individualized dose calculations possible. Most current resources make use of standardized models of the human body representing median individuals, but the use of image-based and more realistic models will soon take their place, and will permit adjustments to represent individual patients and tailor therapy planning uniquely for each subject.