Radiation Therapy for Cancer: How X-rays Kill Cancer Cells

The type of cancer treatment that uses X-rays to kill, destroy, or shrink cells is called radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death or preventing them from dividing and multiplying. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally using a machine called a linear accelerator or internally through the use of radioactive implants, such as brachytherapy.