Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that uses concentrated radiation beams to kill cancer cells. An important tool for treating cancer, it is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as chemotherapy. These beams, often comprised of high-energy X-rays, damage the genetic material within cancer cells, disrupting their ability to divide and grow, ultimately leading to their destruction.
Radiation therapy shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells, and while it injures healthy cells in the process, normal, non-cancerous cells have the ability to recover from it.
Radiation is targeted only to specific points in your body during treatment to minimise it's effects. It can be used during different stages of cancer treatment and may be paired in conjunction with another form of treatment. It can also alleviate symptoms in advanced, late-stage cancer and can kill any remaining cancer cells still present after surgery.
Radiation oncology employs a variety of treatment strategies tailored to the specific type, location, and stage of cancer:
Radiation therapy is frequently integrated with other cancer treatments to optimize patient outcomes. For instance, it may be administered before surgery to reduce tumor size, facilitating surgical removal, or after surgery to eliminate any residual cancer cells. Combining radiation with chemotherapy can enhance treatment efficacy by attacking cancer cells through distinct mechanisms.
Radiation oncology is an indispensable tool in the fight against cancer, offering precise and effective treatment options that contribute to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Our dedicated teams of experienced multidisciplinary specialists and healthcare professionals work together to provide treatment plans tailored to the needs of our patients on their recovery journey.
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