Which of the following describes the effects of radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy primarily works by targeting the DNA within cancer cells. The fundamental principle behind this treatment is that radiation causes damage to the DNA, which hinders the ability of the cancer cells to reproduce and grow. When the DNA of these cells is destroyed, they are unable to divide and eventually die off, which helps reduce or eliminate the tumor.

This treatment is designed to selectively affect rapidly dividing cells, which is characteristic of cancer cells. However, while it can also impact surrounding healthy tissues, the intent is to maximize damage to cancerous cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. This targeted approach reflects the use of radiation as a therapeutic modality in oncology, allowing for the therapeutic benefits of reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes.