Radiotherapy is a treatment method used to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancerous cells, causing them to die. Radiotherapy is applied with the principle of focusing on cancer cells and causing minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues.
Radiotherapy can be used in different ways, depending on the type of cancer, its stage, location, and general health status of the patient. In some types of cancer, radiotherapy is used alone, while in other types of cancer it can be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy treatment requires detailed planning and preparation. During treatment, the radiation source (usually a machine or a radioactive substance) is directed at the cancer cells and focused towards the area to be treated. It can damage the cancerous tissue in the treatment area as well as nearby normal tissues, so the treatment plan, radiation dose and duration of treatment are personalized according to the patient’s characteristics.
Side effects of radiotherapy treatment can include skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, and other medical problems. Before and during radiotherapy treatment, patients are followed closely and the treatment plan is adjusted if necessary.
