Which of the following parameters is most important in central axis depth dose distribution for electron beams?

In the context of central axis depth dose distribution for electron beams, surface dose, therapeutic depth (d90), and X-ray contamination are all critical parameters that influence the treatment planning and delivery process.

Surface dose refers to the amount of radiation dose delivered to the skin or surface of the patient when electron beams are used. This is important because it impacts the effectiveness of the treatment for superficial tumors. Higher surface doses can indicate that the electron beam is adequately delivering therapeutic doses to surface lesions, which is essential in providing effective treatment.

Therapeutic depth, or d90, is the depth at which 90% of the prescribed dose is delivered to the tissue. It is crucial for determining how deeply the beam penetrates and where it has adequate energy to treat the tumor effectively. A precise understanding of d90 helps dosimetrists ensure that the tumor receives the appropriate dose while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

X-ray contamination refers to the unwanted X-rays generated during electron beam therapy. This is a concern because such contamination can contribute to unwanted radiation dose to the patient, potentially affecting healthy tissues and complicating treatment outcomes. Understanding the level of X-ray contamination can help in optimizing radiotherapy and ensuring that the focus remains on delivering high doses to tumors while spar