What is the primary goal of radiation therapy in treating cancer?

The primary goal of radiation therapy in treating cancer is to impede the proliferation of malignant cells. This technique involves using high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancerous cells, leading to their inability to grow and divide. By targeting these cells specifically, radiation therapy can effectively shrink tumors and slow down the progression of cancer.

In many cases, while the intent is to control or eliminate cancerous growths, curing all types of cancer is not always feasible for every patient or cancer type. Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, rather than as a standalone cure.

Additionally, while radiation may help manage pain, especially in advanced stages, this is not its primary goal. Pain management is an important aspect of care but does not encompass the main therapeutic intent of radiation therapy, which is focused on controlling malignant cell growth. Also, enhancing the immune response is not a direct purpose of radiation therapy; instead, it is more aligned with immunotherapy approaches. Thus, the focus of radiation therapy is directly related to inhibiting the cancer's ability to proliferate rather than these other considerations.