What is the role of simulation in medical radiation therapy?

The role of simulation in medical radiation therapy is primarily focused on planning treatment setups and verifying patient positioning. This process involves creating a simulated environment that allows for accurate assessment and planning before actual treatment begins.

During simulation, advanced imaging technologies are utilized to visualize the target area and surrounding structures, ensuring that radiation is delivered precisely where it is needed. This is critical because the accuracy of the radiation dose delivery is essential for effectively treating the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. Simulation helps in developing detailed treatment plans that outline how the radiation will be delivered, taking into account patient anatomy and specific treatment goals.

Although evaluating patient treatment options, administering radiation doses, and preparing patients psychologically are vital aspects of overall patient care, they do not directly pertain to the primary function of simulation. Instead, simulation serves as a foundational step in the pre-treatment phase, identifying the best angles, doses, and setups for delivering radiation therapy safely and effectively.