How does radiation therapy target cancer cells?

Radiation therapy targets cancer cells by damaging their DNA and preventing them from dividing.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. The radiation damages the DNA in cancer cells more than in normal cells because cancer cells divide more rapidly and have less effective DNA repair mechanisms. The radiation can be delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator, or internally, using radioactive sources placed inside the body near the cancer.

The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver a high enough dose of radiation to the cancer cells to kill them, while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue. This is done by carefully planning the radiation treatment using imaging techniques, such as CT scans and MRI scans, to map out the location of the cancer and surrounding tissues. The radiation is then delivered in small, precise doses over several weeks.

Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

While radiation therapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it can also cause side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and damage to nearby organs. The risk and severity of side effects depend on the location and dose of radiation, as well as the individual's overall health.