Which device in radiation oncology is used to modify the intensity of the radiation beam to match irregular tissue contours?

In radiation oncology, the device that is specifically designed to modify the intensity of the radiation beam to conform to the contours of irregular tissues is known as a compensator. Compensators are employed in treatment planning to ensure that the delivered dose of radiation is accurately adjusted to compensate for variations in tissue density and shape. This is crucial for optimizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

While collimators are used to shape the radiation beam to a certain extent and to limit the area being irradiated, they do not actively modify the intensity of the beam according to tissue contours. Equalizers are not standard terminology in radiation oncology; they may refer to concepts that are not direct components of radiation delivery systems. Beam divergers, on the other hand, are used to spread the beam over a larger area but do not adjust the intensity specifically to match the tissue contours.

Thus, the choice of a compensator recognizes its critical role in customizing the radiation therapy to address patient-specific anatomical features, ultimately leading to more effective and safer treatment outcomes.