Radiation therapy, also referred to as radiotherapy, uses high-energy beam to treat cancer. While X-rays are the most commonly used energy source, other forms of radiation may also be used. The objective of radiation therapy is to precisely target cancer cells and reduce tumor size while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Its application varies depending on factors such as the patient’s cancer type and stage, overall health status, and other considerations. For lung cancer, radiation therapy can be performed in the treatment of both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Radiation therapy has been used to treat cancer for over 100 years. Recent improvements in technology have made it safer and more precise. Today, it’s a key treatment option for lung cancer, along with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immunotherapy.

Doctors might use radiation therapy alone or with other treatments. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, a team of specialists comes together to decide the best treatment plan. This collaborative effort involves selecting the most suitable treatment plan, which may or may not include radiation therapy. The multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, lung cancer nurses and other relevant specialists.