What is the primary goal of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?

The primary goal of radiation therapy in cancer treatment is to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy utilizes high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, which disrupts their ability to replicate and causes cell death. This process not only targets the cancer cells but can also potentially leave surrounding healthy tissue intact, depending on the treatment technique and planning.

While other options, such as alleviating pain, shrinking tumors, and improving patient quality of life, are significant aspects of comprehensive cancer care, they are often secondary objectives that result from the primary action of effectively destroying cancer cells. Shrinking tumors can be a direct result of effective radiation treatment, as killing cancer cells can lead to a reduction in tumor size. Additionally, effective treatment that kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors can ultimately lead to improved quality of life and pain relief, but these are not the primary aims of the therapy itself. The cornerstone of radiation therapy’s purpose is to target and eliminate malignancy, which is why the primary goal is deemed to be the destruction of cancer cells.