Radiotherapy plays a crucial role in the medical industry, particularly in the field of oncology (the study and treatment of cancer). It is a highly specialized branch of medicine that utilizes ionizing radiation to treat various types of cancer and some non-cancerous conditions. This form of treatment has evolved significantly over the years and has become an integral part of multidisciplinary cancer care.

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, involves the use of high-energy radiation beams to target and kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. The goal of radiotherapy is to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The underlying principle of radiotherapy is based on the fact that cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells. By exploiting this difference, radiotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from dividing and growing.

According to a research by Coherent Market Insights, Global Radiotherapy Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 7,078.91 million in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

There are several mechanisms through which radiotherapy works. The primary mechanism is the induction of DNA damage in cancer cells. Radiation damages the DNA molecules within cancer cells, disrupting their ability to replicate and survive. The damaged DNA triggers a cascade of cellular events, leading to cell death. Additionally, radiation can cause damage to the blood vessels supplying the tumor, reducing its blood flow and oxygen supply, further hindering its growth.

Radiotherapy can be delivered through various techniques, each designed to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. The two main categories of radiotherapy are external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and internal radiotherapy (brachytherapy). In EBRT, a machine called a linear accelerator directs radiation beams precisely at the tumor from outside the body. This technique allows for precise targeting and can be delivered in different ways, such as three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Brachytherapy, on the other hand, involves the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near the tumor. This technique allows for the delivery of high doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.