In terms of radiation exposure, what does "fractionation" refer to?

Fractionation in the context of radiation exposure refers to the delivery of radiation in smaller doses over a period of time, rather than administering a single, large dose. This method is employed in various therapeutic settings, particularly in cancer treatment, to minimize damage to healthy tissue while effectively targeting tumor cells. By breaking up the total dose into fractions, it allows for recovery time for normal cells while still exerting therapeutic effects on malignant cells, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced side effects.

The concept of fractionation is critical in radiation therapy because it aims to maximize the effectiveness of radiation treatments while mitigating potential harm to surrounding healthy tissues. This approach enhances the therapeutic ratio, where the goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient with the least amount of collateral damage.