Radiotherapy: A Cornerstone in Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is one of the most important and widely used treatments for cancer. It uses high doses of radiation to destroy or damage cancer cells while sparing as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Over the years, radiotherapy has evolved significantly, combining advanced imaging, precision targeting, and innovative techniques to improve patient outcomes and minimize side effects.
The principle of radiotherapy is based on the ability of radiation to disrupt the DNA of rapidly dividing cells. Since cancer cells grow and multiply faster than most normal cells, they are more vulnerable to radiation damage. Once their DNA is damaged, cancer cells lose the ability to repair themselves effectively and eventually die. This process helps shrink tumors, control their spread, or eliminate microscopic cancer cells that remain after surgery.
Radiotherapy can be used in several ways depending on…