Radiation therapy (Radiotherapy)
Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells in the treatment area. It's usually given by focussing X-ray beams very precisely at a tumour, but it can be given internally by drinking liquid, having an injection or by having a radioactive implant in the body. In some instances it can be used to treat the whole body. The radiation kills the cancer cells by cumulative damage.
As with chemo, it is usually given over a number of sessions but, unlike chemo, the sessions tend to be every day for a number of days. It is possible that some damage may occur to neighbouring healthy cells but this damage usually repairs quickly (allowing the small gap between sessions).
The precise treatment will depend on the type, location and stage of the tumour as well as the health of the patient and the purpose of the treatment. The doctors will determine the tolerance of the patient’s normal tissue and the cancer to determine the level of radiation. The main purposes may be curative (to seek a long lasting cure or reduce the chances of the treated cancer cells returning) or palliative (reducing or slowing the symptoms).
See Cancerbackup for more details.
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