What does the therapeutic ratio refer to in radiation therapy?

The therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy is defined as the ratio of the tissue tolerance dose to the tumor dose. This concept is crucial in determining how effectively a treatment can eradicate a tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. A high therapeutic ratio indicates that a relatively high tumor dose can be administered without exceeding the tolerance levels of adjacent normal tissues, thereby maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse side effects.

Understanding this ratio enables practitioners to optimize treatment plans, ensuring that the tumor receives sufficient radiation to achieve control or eradication, while carefully balancing the risk of toxicity to healthy tissues. In essence, a favorable therapeutic ratio is key to successful radiation therapy outcomes, highlighting the importance of delivering precise dosages that favor tumor destruction over damage to normal cells.