What type of cancer treatment uses X-rays to kill destroy or shrink cancer cells?

The type of cancer treatment that uses X-rays to kill, destroy, or shrink cancer cells is called radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy. In radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays are directed at the cancerous tumor or affected area to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally:

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): This involves directing radiation from outside the body toward the tumor. It is a non-invasive procedure and is one of the most common forms of radiation therapy.

Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy): In this approach, radioactive material is placed directly inside or near the tumor site. This allows for a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to the cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Radiation therapy can be used as a primary treatment for cancer, as part of a multimodal treatment approach (such as in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy), or to alleviate symptoms in advanced or metastatic cancer.

The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Treatment planning is highly individualized, taking into account factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and the overall health of the patient.