What is the purpose of radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is primarily used to decrease the size of tumors and control the growth of cancerous cells. It employs high doses of radiation to target and destroy malignant cells, leading to the reduction of tumor size and sometimes even the complete elimination of the cancer. This therapeutic approach can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to enhance the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment.

In this context, while increasing blood flow, enhancing physical performance, and alleviating pain may be beneficial aspects of care in various medical treatments, they do not represent the primary goal of radiation therapy. The focus on tumor size reduction directly aligns with the primary goal of this treatment modality in oncology.