- Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays or other charged particles to precisely target and eliminate cancer cells. This treatment method can serve as a standalone therapy or complement surgical procedures and chemotherapy.
- In radiation therapy, the patient lies on a treatment table while a machine, such as a linear accelerator, delivers the radiation beams to the tumor site. The energy from these rays damages the DNA inside cancer cells, inhibiting their ability to grow and divide. An essential advantage of radiation therapy is its ability to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues by precisely aiming the radiation.
- Radiation therapy is often used in various cancer cases, from early-stage tumors to advanced metastatic disease. Its effectiveness and the choice to use it alone or in conjunction with other treatments depend on factors such as the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Physicians and oncologists carefully plan the treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize potential side effects.
- Radiation therapy is an integral component of modern cancer care, contributing to increased survival rates and improved quality of life for many patients, making it a vital tool in the fight against cancer.