What is the primary purpose of using immobilization devices in treatment?

The primary purpose of using immobilization devices in treatment is to prevent patient movement during the delivery of radiation therapy. Accurate targeting of radiation is crucial to maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Any movement during treatment, whether from voluntary actions or involuntary shifts, can lead to misalignment of the radiation beams and result in under-treatment or over-treatment of certain areas.

By securely positioning patients with the use of immobilization devices, dosimetrists and radiation therapists ensure that the patient remains stable throughout the entire treatment session. This stability is vital for the effectiveness of the procedure and contributes to the overall safety of the treatment plan, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and the quality of care provided to patients.

The other options do not align with the main function of immobilization devices. Enhancing relaxation, allowing greater mobility, or speeding up treatment times may be considerations in patient care but are not the primary focus of immobilization techniques.