Radiotherapy: How It Uses High-Energy Rays to Fight Cancer

Radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading. This precise approach makes it effective for shrinking tumors and eliminating cancer cells after surgery.

How Radiotherapy Works
Radiotherapy damages the DNA of cancer cells, stopping them from multiplying. Over time, these damaged cells die off, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally. Since it specifically targets the tumor area, healthy tissues around it are less affected.

Different Types of Radiotherapy
External beam radiation delivers high-energy rays from outside the body, focusing directly on the tumor. Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, places a radiation source inside or near the cancerous tissue. The type used depends on the cancer’s location and stage.

When Is Radiotherapy Used?
Radiotherapy can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside surgery and chemotherapy. It’s often used to shrink tumors before surgery or to eliminate remaining cancer cells after an operation. For some cases, it provides pain relief in advanced cancers.

Side Effects and Recovery
Common side effects include fatigue, skin irritation, and mild discomfort in the treated area. Unlike chemotherapy, radiotherapy’s effects are localized, meaning patients often experience fewer overall health issues. Most side effects fade after treatment ends.

Advancements in Radiotherapy
Modern radiotherapy techniques, like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), deliver more precise treatment while sparing healthy tissues. Proton therapy is another innovation that reduces radiation exposure to surrounding organs. These advancements make treatment safer and more effective.

Conclusion
Radiotherapy remains a key weapon in the fight against cancer, offering a targeted way to destroy cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy tissues. With continuous improvements in technology, it is becoming even more precise, helping patients recover with fewer complications.