What are the principles behind radiation therapy for cancer treatment?

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for cancer that utilizes high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. The key principles behind radiation therapy involve precise delivery of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Targeting Cancer Cells

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and eventually leading to their death. Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells, making it an effective way to target and kill them.

Minimizing Damage to Healthy Tissue

One of the crucial principles of radiation therapy is to minimize the exposure of healthy tissue to radiation. Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton therapy allow for precise targeting of the tumor while sparing nearby healthy organs and tissues.

Role in Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the fight against cancer, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. It can be used to shrink tumors before surgery, kill remaining cancer cells after surgery, or relieve symptoms in advanced cases.

Overall, radiation therapy's principles emphasize targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, making it a valuable tool in the treatment of various types of cancer.