What is one of the effects of field weighting in radiation therapy?

Field weighting in radiation therapy is a technique used to optimize the distribution of the radiation dose delivered to a tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. One of the primary effects of field weighting is improving dose uniformity across the target area.

By adjusting the intensity or contribution of different radiation beams, clinicians can ensure that the therapeutic dose is more evenly distributed within the tumor volume. This is particularly important in cases where tumors have complex shapes or are located adjacent to critical structures. With better dose uniformity, the likelihood of achieving effective tumor control increases, and the risk of damage to normal tissues is reduced.

The other choices focus on factors that do not directly relate to the beneficial impact of field weighting on dose distribution within the target area. The correct understanding of how field weighting functions is essential for accomplishing optimal treatment outcomes in radiation therapy.