Does Radiation therapy use gamma rays?

Yes, radiation therapy can use gamma rays, among other types of radiation, to treat cancer and other medical conditions. Gamma rays are a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by the decay of radioactive nuclei. In radiation therapy, gamma rays are typically generated by a device called a linear accelerator or a radioactive isotope such as cobalt-60. These devices produce gamma rays that are directed at the affected area with great precision, minimizing the impact on healthy tissues.

Gamma rays are highly penetrating and can travel through the body without being easily absorbed by tissues. This makes them suitable for treating deep-seated tumors or lesions. They can be used externally (external beam radiation therapy, EBRT) or internally (brachytherapy). In EBRT, a machine outside the body emits gamma rays that are focused on the target area, while in brachytherapy, radioactive sources are placed inside or near the tumor to deliver a high dose of radiation locally.

Radiation therapy using gamma rays is a well-established and widely used treatment approach in cancer care. It aims to deliver a sufficient amount of radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimizing the damage to nearby healthy tissues. The dose, duration, and type of radiation used are carefully planned and monitored by radiation oncologists to optimize the treatment's effectiveness and safety.