In radiation therapy, when the total dose is divided, what are the individual doses called?

In radiation therapy, when the total dose is divided for treatment, the individual doses are referred to as fractions. This terminology reflects the practice of administering the total dosage in smaller portions over a specified period, which allows for more effective treatment with potentially reduced side effects. The fractional approach helps to spare normal tissues while targeting tumor cells, optimizing the therapeutic ratio.

The concept of fractions is fundamental in radiation oncology, as it enables clinicians to tailor treatment to minimize damage to healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. By breaking down the total dose into fractions, it also helps in better patient management and assessment of response to treatment.

Other terms such as doses, sessions, and intervals may be associated with aspects of treatment planning or scheduling but do not accurately describe the specific practice of dividing the total radiation dose into smaller, manageable units for the purpose of therapy.