What is the primary purpose of measuring electron energy incident on the patient during treatment?

Measuring the electron energy incident on the patient is primarily aimed at accurately calculating the skin dose during treatment. Different electron energies will deposit energy in tissues at varying depths, influencing the overall dose distribution. By measuring the incident electron energy, medical dosimetrists can ensure that the calculations for the dose delivered to the skin and underlying tissues are precise, which is crucial for both treatment efficacy and patient safety. Accurate skin dose calculations are essential to minimize the risk of skin reactions and ensure the treatment plan effectively targets the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This process also allows for better optimization of the treatment plan and adjustments based on patient-specific factors.