Radiotherapy machines are advanced tools that deliver high-energy radiation to treat cancer. From linear accelerators to cyberKnife and tomotherapy.
Human Body Imaging
Radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, is a versatile and indispensable modality in modern cancer management. It is a non-invasive treatment approach that uses high-energy ionising radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. Radiotherapy has demonstrated significant benefits in cancer treatment, including improved survival rates, better local control, and enhanced quality of life for patients. This essay delves into radiotherapy’s principles, techniques, and applications in cancer management.
Radiotherapy works on the principle that ionising radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, leading to cell death or impaired cell division. Ionising radiation generates reactive molecules such as free radicals, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, causing strand breaks, cross-linking, or other forms of damage. Cancer cells are more susceptible to the effects of radiation than normal cells because they divide more rapidly and have impaired DNA repair mechanisms.
There are two primary forms of radiotherapy: external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy).
Radiation therapy has various applications in cancer treatment, either as a standalone therapy or combined with other modalities such as surgery or chemotherapy. Some of the key applications include:
Radiotherapy machines are advanced tools that deliver high-energy radiation to treat cancer. From linear accelerators to cyberKnife and tomotherapy.
The role of FDG-PET/CT in radiotherapy treatment of head and neck diseases.
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