 Bolus (radiation therapy)

In radiation therapy, a "bolus" refers to a tissue-equivalent material that is used to modify the dose distribution of radiation delivered to a patient. It is typically made from materials like water, gel, or specialized plastics that have similar attenuation properties to human tissue. The primary functions of a bolus in radiation therapy include: 1. **Surface Dose Enhancement**: Bolus brings the radiation dose closer to the skin surface, which is particularly important for treating superficial tumors.