What is therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy?

The therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy refers to the balance between the effectiveness of the treatment in controlling or eradicating tumor cells and the extent of damage inflicted on normal, healthy tissues. This concept is crucial in designing radiation treatment plans, as a high therapeutic ratio indicates that a treatment can effectively control tumor growth while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

By maximizing tumor control while minimizing normal tissue damage, clinicians strive to achieve the best outcomes for patients with the least possible side effects. This balance is key for ensuring patient safety and maximizing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments. While the other options address important aspects of cancer treatment and tumor dynamics, they do not encapsulate the essence of how therapeutic ratio specifically defines the goal of radiation therapy.