New Methods of Delivering Radiation Therapy
It may take large doses of radiation to kill a tumor. But radiation also kills healthy cells. Because of research, there are several new ways to deliver radiation. These new ways have improved cancer treatment. They also have decreased toxic side effects in healthy tissue.
The goal is to restrict or conform the radiation to the tumor. This ensures that mainly cancer cells receive the full dose. Daly says, “There is a difference between advances in chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We don’t come up with ‘new radiation’ like we come up with new drugs.” New technologies are the key in radiation therapy, she says.
The new methods deliver radiation more precisely. That improves cancer care.