Radiation therapy is a key component in modern cancer treatments. Dr. Palas De, widely recognized as one of the best oncologists in Kolkata, explains that this treatment involves using high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
How Radiation Therapy Works
Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. The therapy is precisely targeted to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation (brachytherapy). External radiation delivers radiation from outside the body, while internal radiation involves placing a radioactive source inside or near the tumor.
Benefits of Radiation Therapy
Dr. Palas De emphasizes that radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors before surgery, destroy remaining cancer cells post-surgery, or as a standalone treatment for cancers that are difficult to remove surgically. It’s a highly effective tool for managing cancer, with minimal side effects in many cases.