Which term describes the method by which treatment is tailored to specific irregularities in tissue during radiation therapy?

The method by which treatment is tailored to specific irregularities in tissue during radiation therapy is referred to as beam shaping. This technique involves adjusting the radiation beam to conform to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor or irregular tissue. By doing so, clinicians can target the cancerous cells more precisely while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. This personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of radiation treatment and helps to reduce side effects for the patient.

Beam shaping employs various technologies and tools, such as multileaf collimators, which can create complex shapes and modulate the intensity of the radiation delivered to different areas of the target. This precision is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy and improving patient outcomes.

In the context of the other options, compensatory therapy typically refers to strategies designed to manage side effects or deficiencies resulting from treatment, rather than customizing the treatment itself. Radiation modulation is a broader term that encompasses several techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy but does not specifically describe the precise adjustment of the beam shape to irregularities. Intensity mapping involves assessing the varying intensities of the radiation dose across the treatment area, but again, this does not directly address the method of adapting the beam to conform to irregularities in the tissue.