Radiotherapy refers to the use of ionising radiation to treat disease, particularly cancer. X-rays were discovered in 1895, and the first treatment of cancer with X-rays was performed in 1896. Since then the technology has changed considerably!
Today’s radiotherapy uses high energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Doctors have effective methods for delivering the radiotherapy to the target. Side effects occur because some normal tissue always lies next to, or even within the edge of, the tumour. However, today’s approaches to treatment targeting have made big advances in reducing side effects.