Radiation doses for cancer treatment are measured in which unit?

The unit used to measure radiation doses for cancer treatment is the Gray (Gy). One Gray is defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter. In the context of cancer treatment, the Gray is specifically used to quantify the amount of radiation delivered to a tumor, which is critical for determining the appropriate dose to effectively target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

The use of the Gray allows for a standardized measure in radiotherapy, ensuring that medical professionals can communicate and ensure consistency in treatment plans. This unit is particularly important in determining the effective dose required to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome in cancer treatments, which often require precise dosimetry to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects.

In contrast, other units like Rads and Rems are older or used in different contexts. Rads were historically used for expressing absorbed radiation doses before the Gray became the standard. Sieverts, on the other hand, are used to measure the biological effects of radiation, taking into account the quality of radiation and its impact on human tissue, and are more relevant in radiation protection contexts rather than specific cancer treatment dosages.