Perspective, J Clin Exp Radiol Vol: 6 Issue: 4

Destroying Cancerous Cells by Radiation Therapy: Mechanisms, Techniques, and Clinical Applications

K. Roto Ataalar^*

¹Department of Radiation Oncology, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: K. Roto Ataalar,
Department of Radiation Oncology, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
E-mail: kroataalar@gmail.com

Received date: 24 November, 2023, Manuscript No. JCER-24-124147;

Editor assigned date: 28 November, 2023, PreQC No. JCER-24-124147 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 14 December, 2023, QC No. JCER-24-124147;

Revised date: 21 December, 2023, Manuscript No. JCER-24-124147 (R);

Published date: 28 December, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/jcer.1000155

Citation: Ataalar KR (2023) Destroying Cancerous Cells by Radiation Therapy: Mechanisms, Techniques, and Clinical Applications. J Clin Exp Radiol 6:4.

Description

Radiation therapy stands as a foundation in the treatment of cancer, aiming to selectively destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This manuscript comprehensively explores the mechanisms by which radiation therapy induces cell death in cancer cells, the various techniques employed for precise delivery, and the clinical applications that make it an integral component of cancer treatment.

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating a multifaceted approach to treatment. Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, plays a crucial role in the arsenal against cancer. The fundamental principle of radiation therapy lies in its ability to disrupt the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) of rapidly dividing cells, particularly cancer cells, leading to their destruction or impaired ability to replicate. This manuscript provides an in-depth examination of the mechanisms underlying the destruction of cancerous cells by radiation therapy.

Biological basis of radiation therapy

The effectiveness of radiation therapy in destroying cancerous cells is rooted in the unique biology of cancer cells. Cancer cells typically exhibit uncontrolled proliferation, and their DNA repair mechanisms may be compromised compared to normal cells. Ionizing radiation exploits these differences, inducing damage to the DNA of cancer cells in a way that overwhelms their capacity for repair.

Mechanisms of cell death

Radiation therapy induces cell death in cancer cells through various mechanisms, primarily centered around DNA damage. The two main types of cell death resulting from radiation therapy are apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe.

Apoptosis: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a controlled and organized process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells. Radiation-induced DNA damage activates signaling pathways that culminate in apoptosis, preventing the survival of cells with extensive genetic damage.

Mitotic catastrophe: Mitotic catastrophe is a form of cell death that occurs during or after aberrant mitosis. Radiation-induced DNA damage can disrupt the cell cycle, leading to catastrophic mitotic events and ultimately causing cell death.

Targeted delivery

The success of radiation therapy in cancer treatment lies not only in inducing DNA damage but also in the precise targeting of cancerous cells while sparing adjacent healthy tissues. Various techniques are employed to achieve this precision:

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): EBRT involves delivering radiation from outside the body using a linear accelerator. Techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) allow for highly focused and targeted delivery, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly within or in close proximity to the tumor. This technique is especially effective in treating certain cancers, such as prostate and cervical cancers, providing high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding normal tissues.

Proton therapy: Proton therapy utilizes charged particles (protons) to deliver radiation. Unlike conventional photon-based radiation, protons have a unique energy deposition profile, delivering a higher radiation dose to the tumor and reducing exposure to healthy tissues.

Fractionation and treatment planning

Radiation therapy is often delivered in fractions, meaning that the total prescribed dose is divided into smaller, more manageable doses administered over several sessions. This approach allows for the selective targeting of cancer cells while providing time for normal tissues to repair. Treatment planning involves a meticulous process of mapping the tumor and surrounding structures using advanced imaging techniques like CT and MRI. Dosimetry calculations ensure that the prescribed dose is accurately delivered to the target.

Radiation sensitization and resistance

The response of cancer cells to radiation therapy can be influenced by factors that enhance or diminish sensitivity. Radiation sensitization involves making cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation, often achieved by combining radiation therapy with other modalities such as chemotherapy. Conversely, radiation resistance can limit the efficacy of treatment, necessitating ongoing research to understand and overcome resistance mechanisms.

Clinical applications

Radiation therapy is employed across a spectrum of cancers and treatment scenarios:

Primary treatment: In some cases, radiation therapy serves as the primary treatment modality, particularly for localized cancers. For example, it is a standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer, prostate cancer, and certain head and neck cancers.

Adjuvant therapy: Radiation therapy is often used as adjuvant therapy following surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of local recurrence. This is common in breast cancer, where radiation may follow lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Palliative care: In advanced cases where cure may not be achievable, radiation therapy is used palliatively to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. It can shrink tumors causing pain or obstruction, alleviate bleeding, and reduce neurological symptoms.

Side effects and management

While radiation therapy is targeted to minimize damage to healthy tissues, side effects can occur. Acute effects, such as fatigue, skin reactions, and nausea, are usually temporary. Late effects may manifest months or years after treatment and are closely monitored. Supportive care measures and advancements in treatment planning contribute to minimizing side effects.

Future directions

Ongoing research in radiation therapy focuses on refining treatment techniques, understanding the molecular basis of radiation response, and developing innovative approaches, such as combining immunotherapy with radiation. Radiogenomics, the study of genetic factors influencing radiation response, holds promise for personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Radiation therapy remains a pivotal component in the treatment landscape of cancer, leveraging the unique vulnerabilities of cancer cells to induce their destruction. This manuscript has provided a comprehensive overview of the biological mechanisms, delivery techniques, and clinical applications of radiation therapy. As technology advances and our understanding of cancer biology deepens, radiation therapy will continue to evolve, contributing to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis.