Radiation Therapy
Also known as: radiotherapy, XRT, RT
Treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area.
Definition
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy X-rays, gamma rays or particle beams to damage the DNA of cancer cells so they can no longer divide. Modern techniques such as IMRT, VMAT, IGRT and stereotactic radiotherapy shape the dose precisely to the tumour while sparing surrounding normal tissue.
Radiation may be delivered from outside the body (external-beam radiotherapy) or from a source placed inside the body (brachytherapy). It can be used alone, before or after surgery, or combined with chemotherapy as chemoradiation. It also has an important role in palliative treatment to relieve pain from bone metastases or bleeding. Learn more on the radiation therapy service page.
See also
- Brachytherapy — A form of radiation therapy that places a radioactive source directly inside or next to the tumour.
- Chemoradiation — Chemotherapy and radiation given together to make each treatment more effective.
- Adjuvant Therapy — Additional treatment given after surgery to lower the risk of cancer coming back.
- Palliative Care — Specialist care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of cancer.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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