title: Radiation: basic principles.
abstract: This communication describes some basic principles of radiation that are relevant for understanding its use in vascular brachytherapy. It describes various characteristics of gamma-rays and beta-particles, including their interaction with matter such as tissues. It also explains different terms and concepts such as radioactivity, half-life, absorbed dose, range which would help the brachytherapy practitioners appreciate the physics aspects of the therapy.
authors.forename: Kishor
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007554:Isotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000532:radiotherapy*
chemical_list: D007554:Isotopes