We have talked to

Univ. Prof. Dr. Annemarie Schratter – Sehn

WHAT DOES radiotherapy do?

Ionising radiation destroys rapidly dividing cells. Tumour cells divide more rapidly than the surrounding tissue. Therefore, the tumour cells are destroyed/severely damaged and the tissue around them is largely not.

WHEN is radiation therapy given?

Radiation Therapy is prescribed when there is a local problem. It is usually part of the overall treatment plan, which includes surgery and/or chemotherapy plus radiation therapy.

Definitive radiotherapy, i.e. radiotherapy as a sole treatment, is used when area affected is not operated on or cannot be operated on (for example, in case of anal carcinoma, usually there will be no surgery, only radiotherapy).