What is a disadvantage of customizing blocks for radiation treatment?

Customizing blocks for radiation treatment requires a significant amount of time and effort, particularly because each block needs to be tailored to the specific anatomy of the patient and the orientation of the treatment beam. This customization process typically involves designing and fabricating blocks that conform to the unique contours of the treatment area, which is essential for achieving optimal dose distributions while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

The necessity to create a new block for each beam orientation adds to the labor and time involved in the treatment planning process. For example, if multiple angles or configurations are needed to address a tumor adequately, separate blocks must be designed and manufactured for each of these orientations. This creates a logistical challenge and delays the treatment schedule, ultimately increasing the time required for patient care.

Choosing blocks instead of other methods, like using multileaf collimators, can complicate the workflow further. Therefore, while customized blocks can be beneficial for precise dosimetry, the time-consuming nature of their production significantly impacts overall efficiency in a clinical setting.