Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
fractionation
Division of total radiation dose into multiple smaller treatments delivered over time.
Full Definition
The practice of dividing the total prescribed radiation dose into multiple smaller doses (fractions) delivered over several days or weeks. This approach exploits differences in radiation sensitivity between tumor and normal tissues, allowing for better tumor control while reducing normal tissue toxicity. Standard fractionation typically delivers 1.8-2.0 Gy per fraction.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'fractional' which refers to partial doses rather than scheduled divisions.
In Context
- "Hypofractionation schedules may reduce treatment burden for elderly patients." — Clinical guideline
- "The fractionation scheme was adjusted to account for concurrent chemotherapy." — Treatment modification note
Also known as
dose fractionation
Contrasted with
single-dose treatment
Don't confuse with
fractional dose
dose escalation