Abstract
Because radiation cell killing follows Poisson statistics, radiation dose response curves for tumors and normal tissue response are sigmoidal in shape. This shape implies that small errors in delivery of radiation dose can result in large changes in the probability of normal tissue necrosis or tumor control. Thus it is important for veterinarians involved with radiation oncology to be familiar with the basic aspects of radiation physics and dose calculation as they relate to radiation therapy. In this paper, we present a review of pertinent physics and treatment planning relative to orthovoltage and cobalt irradiation. The usefulness of radiation treatment planning computers is emphasized for improving the radiation oncologist's knowledge of dose distribution and selection of the optimum treatment plan.
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