Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two main forms of cancer treatment that differ in their approach and mechanism of action. Both methods can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery to fight cancer cells, slow or stop tumor growth, and alleviate symptoms.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. The radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, preventing them from growing or dividing. Radiation therapy can be administered externally (from outside the body) using a linear accelerator or internally (inside the body, known as brachytherapy), where radioactive sources are placed close to the body tumor be placed.
Side effects can include skin reactions in the irradiated area, fatigue, changes in blood count and, depending on the treatment area, specific organ side effects such as dry mouth during irradiation in the head and neck area.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. These drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other routes and work by targeting rapidly dividing cells. Because chemotherapy affects the entire body, it can reach cancer cells almost anywhere.
These include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, oral thrush, fatigue, increased risk of infection due to reduced leukocyte count, and specific organ toxicities depending on the chemotherapeutic agent used.
The choice between radiation therapy and chemotherapy, or the decision to combine both, depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, the treatment goals, and potential side effects. Treatment planning is individualized and based on a careful evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists.
In many cases, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, along with other treatment approaches such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, is the most effective strategy for fighting cancer.
