Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is the medical use of ionizing radiation as part of cancer treatment to control malignant cells (not to be confused with radiology, the use of radiation in medical imaging and diagnosis). Although radiotherapy is often used as part of curative therapy, it is occasionally used as a palliative treatment, where cure is not possible and the aim is for symptomatic relief. Other rare uses are to wipe out the immune system prior to transplant to reduce the incidence of tissue rejection, called total body irradiation (TBI); to calm hyperactive muscles—such as might cause twitchy eyes—with mild superficial treatments; and to form scar tissue around a stent to reinforce the vascular wall.

Side effects

Although the actual treatment is painless, using external radiation (see below) to tackle tumors inevitably leads to side effects. The side effects can occur during treatment (acute side effects such as soreness and redness over the affected area; nausea and vomiting) or long after treatment has finished (late side effects reflecting permanent organ damage). Implanting radioactive sources has the usual side effects associated with invasive procedures. Radiation may also lead to the induction of secondary cancers in the treated area.

Related Topics:
Nausea - Vomiting

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