Radiotherapy

Definition

Radiotherapy is a medical treatment that uses ionizing radiation to kill or control the growth of cancer cells. It targets specific areas of the body to minimize damage to healthy tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from replicating and leads to cell death.
2. Common types of radiotherapy include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy.
3. Ionizing radiation used in radiotherapy can be delivered using X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles like protons.
4. The dosimetric planning process is critical for determining the optimal dose distribution to maximize tumor control while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
5. Side effects of radiotherapy can include fatigue, skin irritation, and long-term risks such as secondary cancers due to radiation exposure.

Review Questions

• What is the primary biological mechanism through which radiotherapy kills cancer cells?
• Name two common types of radiotherapy and explain how they differ.
• What are some potential side effects associated with radiotherapy?

Related terms

Brachytherapy:

A type of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment.

Dosimetry:

The calculation and assessment of the radiation dose received by the human body.

Linear Accelerator (LINAC): A device that generates high-energy X-rays or electrons for use in external beam radiation treatments.