Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This localized treatment targets specific areas of the body where cancer cells are present. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator to focus radiation beams on the tumor, or internally, through a method known as brachytherapy, where a radioactive source is placed inside or very close to the tumor. The treatment is precisely planned and tailored to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Radiation therapy is commonly used to shrink tumors before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy), to eliminate remaining cancer cells post-surgery (adjuvant therapy), or to relieve symptoms such as pain caused by tumors. Side effects of radiation therapy depend on the treatment area and may include skin irritation, fatigue, and localized pain. Advances in techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery have improved precision and outcomes, making radiation therapy a crucial component in modern cancer treatment regimens.
Dr. Hamidreza Hashemifard is a distinguished radiation oncologist based in Tehran, known for his extensive expertise and contributions to the field of oncology. […]
