Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) GCSE Physics Practice Exam

Radiation therapy, often referred to as radiotherapy, is a medical treatment that utilizes high doses of radiation, such as X-rays, to target and destroy cancerous tumors. The primary mechanism involves damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which inhibits their ability to grow and divide. This therapy can be administered externally, with machines that direct radiation from outside the body, or internally through the use of radioactive substances placed close to the tumor.

This treatment is specifically designed to target rapidly dividing cancer cells, while aiming to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It can be used as a primary treatment, or in conjunction with other modalities like surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. The precision of radiation therapy is one reason it is a pivotal component in the management of various cancers.