Radiation Oncology

The Radiation Oncology topic includes research on the medical use of radiation technologies as part of cancer treatment to control or destroy cancer cells. It also includes research on treatment-related radiation-induced toxicity, injury, or bystander effects.

Long-used treatments — radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy — remain the backbone of treatment for most cancers.

At high doses, radiation therapy kills cancer cells or slows their growth by damaging their DNA. Radiation kills or slows the growth of cancer cells and can also affect nearby healthy cells. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects.