Radiation therapy is one of the primary tools that medicine has at its disposal in the fight against cancer. It derives its effect from its ability to destroy or damage cancer cells, preventing them from continuing to grow and divide. But how exactly does radiation therapy work on cancer cells?
The effect of radiation on the DNA of cells
The basis of the action of radiation therapy is the interaction of ionizing radiation, used during irradiation, with the DNA of cells. X-rays, gamma rays or protons have the ability to ionize atoms, leading to the formation of free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage DNA, causing breaks in its structure.
Both single and double breaks in DNA strands are serious damage that can disrupt cell function. If the break involves a single DNA strand, the cell is often able to repair such damage. However, double-strand breaks are more difficult to repair and can lead to cell death if the repair process is not properly carried out.
DNA repair mechanisms
Cells, both healthy and cancerous, have a number of DNA repair mechanisms. Once damage is detected, the cell tries to repair it using one of several available mechanisms. In the case of single breaks, the repair process is usually successful. When, on the other hand, both DNA strands are damaged, the repair mechanisms may not work properly, leading to cell death.
Does radiation therapy only destroy cancer cells?
Damage to healthy cells cannot be completely avoided during radiation therapy. However, radiation can be targeted to minimize exposure to healthy tissues. Healthy cells usually have a better DNA repair capacity than cancer cells, allowing them to survive during treatment.
In addition, it is important to note that healthy cells do not divide as quickly as cancer cells, and cell division is the process in which DNA is most susceptible to damage. For this reason, radiation therapy is more effective in destroying cancer cells, although it is not selective.
Effectiveness of radiotherapy
The effectiveness of radiation therapy depends on many factors. Among them, the most important are the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. It is also important to tailor the radiation dose to the patient's individual needs.
Radiation therapy can be used alone, but is often combined with other forms of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Such a multi-track treatment plan allows for maximum effectiveness in the fight against cancer.
In summary, radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death. Although radiation can also damage healthy cells, differences in the rate of division and DNA repair capabilities make radiation therapy primarily effective in destroying cancer cells. It is an invaluable tool in the hands of doctors fighting cancer, allowing them to halt the progression of the disease and giving patients a chance to recover.
