What is the consequence of not maintaining a reproducible treatment position?

Maintaining a reproducible treatment position is critical in radiation therapy because it ensures that the tumor or target volume consistently receives the prescribed dose while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. If the treatment position is not reproducible, there is a risk that the radiation may not accurately target the tumor. This can lead to "missing part of the target volume," where portions of the tumor do not receive the intended dose, potentially allowing cancer cells to survive and continue to proliferate.

This underscores the importance of proper alignment and positioning in achieving optimal treatment outcomes, as any deviation can directly impact the effectiveness of the therapy and the overall success of the treatment plan.