Radiotherapy: A Treatment Option for Cancer

Radiotherapy is an important method of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy or shrink cancer cells. It usually delivers radiation directly to the affected area, causing damage to the DNA of the cells and preventing the growth of cancer cells. Radiotherapy is generally used either alone or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery for cancer treatment.

Radiotherapy works by destroying the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and stopping their growth. This radiation is usually delivered in one or multiple sessions and is highly targeted to affect the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. However, some side effects may occur, such as fatigue, skin problems, and effects on the nervous system, but most of these side effects are temporary and subside after the treatment is completed.

Radiotherapy can be of two main types:

• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): In this type of radiotherapy, radiation is delivered to the body from an external machine. It is the most common method, where the radiation is precisely targeted at the area affected by cancer.
• Internal Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy): In this method, radioactive material is placed inside or very close to the tumor. This technique is commonly used in cases such as prostate cancer or cervical cancer.