In addition to square and rectangle, what other shapes can modern accelerators produce?

Modern accelerators are designed to create a variety of treatment field shapes that are essential for optimized radiation delivery to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Asymmetric fields are particularly significant because they allow clinicians to deliver radiation in a non-uniform way that can closely match the contours and dimensions of the tumor. This tailoring of the radiation field is critical for treating irregularly shaped tumors or those situated near sensitive structures.

Creating asymmetric fields increases flexibility in treatment planning and enhances the possibility of achieving better therapeutic outcomes. It allows for dynamic adjustments during treatment sessions, which can be crucial for accommodating patient movement or changes in tumor position. Overall, the ability to generate asymmetric fields is an essential feature of modern radiation therapy that contributes to effective cancer treatment protocols.