When adjacent areas must be treated in radiation therapy, it is best practice to do what?

In radiation therapy, when adjacent areas need to be treated, calculating the necessary gap between treatment fields is considered best practice. This approach helps in minimizing the risk of overexposure to any area, particularly where fields meet.

By determining the appropriate gap, radiation oncologists can ensure that there is no overlap that could lead to a cumulative dose exceeding safe levels in any one area. This is crucial because excessive radiation can increase the risk of toxicity and complications for the patient. Properly calculating the gap also allows for the effective delivery of treatment to each target area without compromising the surrounding healthy tissues.

Additionally, managing the gap can help align the treatment fields for optimal coverage of the tumor while respecting the limits for normal adjacent tissue, which is an essential consideration in treatment planning. This strategy encourages a more tailored approach to each patient's treatment plan, addressing individual anatomical considerations and therapeutic goals.