In radiation therapy, the term "isodose" refers to?

The term "isodose" in radiation therapy refers to equal doses of radiation delivered to a specific area within the treated volume. Isodose curves or lines represent regions where the radiation dose is the same, allowing clinicians to visualize and evaluate the distribution of the radiation dose across the target area and surrounding tissues. This concept is crucial for ensuring that the tumor receives a sufficient dose while minimizing exposure to adjacent healthy tissues.

Understanding isodose distributions is vital for treatment planning and optimization because it influences both the efficacy of tumor control and the reduction of potential side effects. By analyzing isodose curves, radiation therapists can determine the appropriate configurations of beams and their intensities to achieve the desired dose distribution.