Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases of our time, but advancements in medical science have made it increasingly treatable. Among the most effective and widely used cancer treatments is radiation therapy — a powerful technique that uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. At Action Cancer Hospital, a leading Radiation Oncology Hospital in India, cutting-edge radiation technologies are used to deliver precise, targeted treatment that minimizes harm to healthy tissues while maximizing the destruction of cancer cells.
This article explains how radiation therapy works, the types of radiation used, what patients can expect during treatment, and how modern innovations have transformed cancer care.
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What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) is a form of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation damages the DNA within cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying. Over time, the damaged cells die and are naturally removed by the body.
Unlike chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, radiation therapy is often a localized treatment, targeting specific tumor areas. This makes it especially useful for treating cancers that are confined to one region, such as breast, brain, head and neck, cervical, or prostate cancers.
How Radiation Therapy Kills Cancer Cells
Cancer cells differ from normal cells in that they divide uncontrollably. Radiation therapy interferes with this process in several key ways:
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DNA Damage – Radiation directly damages the DNA of cancer cells. When the DNA is broken or altered, the cells can no longer divide and multiply.
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Indirect Cell Death – Radiation can also generate free radicals — unstable molecules that further damage cellular structures, including DNA.
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Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death) – Some cancer cells undergo apoptosis as a result of radiation-induced stress.
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Tumor Shrinkage – Over time, as damaged cells die and are removed, the tumor gradually shrinks.
Normal cells are also affected by radiation, but they can usually repair themselves more effectively than cancer cells. This difference forms the basis of precision radiation therapy — targeting tumors while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
Types of Radiation Therapy
Modern radiation therapy has evolved significantly, offering multiple types and delivery methods. At Action Cancer Hospital, one of the top Radiation Oncology Hospitals in Delhi, patients receive personalized treatment plans that use the latest radiation technologies.
1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
This is the most common type of radiation therapy. It delivers radiation from a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC) that directs high-energy beams precisely to the tumor site.
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Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): Allows modulation of beam intensity to deliver higher doses to tumors while protecting surrounding tissues.
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Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Uses imaging before and during treatment to ensure accurate targeting.
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Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) & Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Provide highly precise radiation doses in fewer sessions — often used for brain and lung tumors.
2. Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
In brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed inside or near the tumor. This allows for a high radiation dose to the tumor with minimal exposure to nearby organs.
It’s commonly used for cancers of the cervix, prostate, breast, and uterus. Action Cancer Hospital’s expert oncologists employ advanced image-guided brachytherapy techniques to achieve optimal results with minimal side effects.
3. Systemic Radiation Therapy
This method involves the use of radioactive substances that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body. For example, radioactive iodine is used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer.
The Radiation Therapy Process at Action Cancer Hospital
At Action Cancer Hospital, every radiation therapy journey begins with detailed planning and patient-centered care. The process typically involves several stages:
1. Consultation and Evaluation
Patients meet with radiation oncologists who review medical history, imaging tests, and biopsy reports to determine the best treatment plan.
2. Simulation and Planning
Before starting treatment, a simulation session is conducted to map out the exact location of the tumor. Using CT, MRI, or PET scans, the radiation team creates a 3D treatment plan that outlines the precise angles and intensity of radiation delivery.
3. Treatment Delivery
During treatment sessions, the patient lies on a treatment table while the linear accelerator rotates around them, delivering radiation beams to the targeted area. The process is painless and usually lasts only a few minutes.
4. Follow-Up and Monitoring
After completing therapy, patients undergo follow-up visits to monitor their progress, manage any side effects, and evaluate treatment success.
Common Side Effects and Their Management
While radiation therapy is designed to minimize harm to healthy tissue, some side effects can occur depending on the treatment area, dosage, and individual sensitivity. Common side effects include:
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Fatigue
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Skin irritation or redness
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Loss of appetite
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Hair loss (in treated areas)
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Nausea or digestive issues
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Changes in taste or swallowing (for head and neck radiation)
At Action Cancer Hospital, patient care extends beyond the treatment room. The hospital’s multidisciplinary team — including oncologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and rehabilitation experts — provides comprehensive support to help patients manage side effects, maintain strength, and recover faster.
Advancements in Radiation Oncology
The field of radiation oncology has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. New technologies now allow for:
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Higher Precision: Techniques like IMRT and proton therapy deliver focused doses, reducing damage to healthy tissues.
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Adaptive Radiation Therapy: Uses AI and imaging to adjust treatment in real time as the tumor shrinks or shifts.
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Shorter Treatment Times: SBRT and hypofractionated therapies enable patients to complete treatment in fewer sessions.
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Integration with Other Therapies: Radiation can be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery for better outcomes.
Action Cancer Hospital stays at the forefront of these innovations, offering state-of-the-art equipment and expert care to ensure patients receive the most advanced and effective radiation therapy available.
The Role of a Radiation Oncology Hospital
Choosing the right Radiation Oncology Hospital plays a crucial role in treatment success. Hospitals like Action Cancer Hospital combine medical expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care under one roof. Key benefits include:
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Expert Radiation Oncologists: Specialists trained in the latest radiation delivery techniques.
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Advanced Technology: Linear accelerators, image-guided systems, and precision planning tools.
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Integrated Care: Collaboration between oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and support teams.
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Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a plan tailored to their cancer type, stage, and health condition.
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Supportive Environment: Counseling, nutrition guidance, and emotional support throughout the journey.
Life After Radiation Therapy
Many patients recover well after completing radiation therapy and return to normal life. Regular follow-ups, a balanced diet, gentle exercise, and stress management can significantly improve long-term outcomes. The dedicated team at Action Cancer Hospital continues to support patients even after treatment — ensuring holistic healing and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Radiation therapy is one of the most effective weapons in the fight against cancer. With its ability to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, it has improved survival rates and quality of life for millions of patients.
At Action Cancer Hospital, one of the most trusted Radiation Oncology Hospitals in Delhi, patients benefit from advanced technology, experienced oncologists, and compassionate care — all working together to deliver the best possible outcomes.
If you or a loved one is seeking expert cancer care, trust Action Cancer Hospital to guide you through every step of your healing journey with precision, safety, and hope.
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