Radiation therapy is a form of treatment that uses beams of energy, in this case radiation, to destroy cancer cells and shrink the tumors they comprise. It does this by damaging the genetic makeup of cells in the area of the body being treated, making it difficult for them to multiply and eventually causing them to die. The goal of radiation therapy is twofold: to destroy as many cancer cells as possible while limiting harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Fortunately, normal cells, unlike cancer cells, usually recover from any damage due to radiation.
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Production of any of the material contained herein in any format or media without the express written permission of Varian Medical Systems is prohibited. Varian RapidArc, IGRT, or IMRT is not appropriate for all cancers. Serious side effects can occur, including fatigue and skin irritation. Treatment times may vary. Ask your doctor if RapidArc, IGRT, or IMRT treatment is right for you. For more information about Varian treatments go to call 1.800.700.6882.