Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes high-energy waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or protons, to kill or inhibit the growth of malignant cells. The treatment functions by damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, particularly those associated with cancerous growths. These physical mechanisms of damage prevent the cells from dividing or lead to their programmed death. Techniques vary, encompassing external beam radiation, where a machine directs radiation to the body's surface, and internal radiation, which involves placing radioactive sources directly into the target area. Modern implementation of the therapy allows for precise localization, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues while maximizing the dose delivered to the abnormal tissue.