Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a medical treatment
used to treat cancer and some non-cancerous conditions. It involves the
use of high-energy radiation to target and destroy or damage cancer
cells. The goal of radiation therapy is to shrink or eliminate tumors,
relieve symptoms, or prevent cancer from recurring.
There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation
and internal radiation (brachytherapy). In external beam radiation, a
machine outside the body delivers the radiation to the targeted area. In
brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed directly inside or very
close to the tumor.
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with surgery,
chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the specific cancer and its
stage.
Radiation therapy is typically administered over a series of sessions,
which can range from several days to several weeks. The total dose and
schedule depend on the type of cancer, its location, and the patient's
overall health.
Radiation therapy is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes
radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, and
other healthcare professionals. They work together to plan and deliver
the treatment.
The success rate of radiation therapy in treating cancer can vary widely
depending on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer,
the location of the tumor, the overall health of the patient, and the
specific goals of treatment.
