What is the primary focus of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?

The primary focus of radiation therapy in cancer treatment is to target the tumor while sparing normal tissues. This approach is crucial because high doses of radiation are effective in damaging the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death or impaired ability to reproduce. However, the challenge is to maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing exposure to adjacent healthy tissues to reduce side effects and preserve normal function.

Radiation therapy typically involves carefully calculated doses and targeted techniques, such as conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which shape the radiation beams to match the tumor's three-dimensional shape. This precision allows for effective treatment with fewer complications, making it a valuable tool in localized cancers.

Other treatment options mentioned, such as enhancing the immune response or delivering medication via injection, are not the primary focus of radiation therapy. Surgical removal of cancerous tissue is also a different approach altogether, focusing on physically excising the tumor rather than utilizing radiation to destroy it. Each treatment modality has its role in a comprehensive cancer care strategy, but targeting the tumor effectively while minimizing harm to normal tissues is the hallmark of radiation therapy.