Gamma rays are widely used in cancer treatment because their high energy can destroy or damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. The process is known as gamma ray radiotherapy.
How it works in cancer treatment:
- Targeted radiation
- A precise beam of gamma rays is directed at the tumor.
- Cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than healthy cells, so the damage is more effective in stopping their growth.
- DNA damage
- Gamma rays ionize atoms in the cell, producing free radicals that break DNA strands.
- The cell loses its ability to repair and divide, eventually dying.
- Controlled exposure
- Treatment is planned so surrounding healthy tissue receives minimal radiation.
- Multiple smaller doses (fractionated radiotherapy) are given over days/weeks to allow normal cells to recover.
Medical techniques using gamma rays:
- Cobalt-60 therapy: A radioactive cobalt source emits gamma rays used in external beam radiotherapy.
- Gamma knife surgery: Multiple gamma-ray beams focus precisely on brain tumors or abnormalities without cutting into the skull.
- Brachytherapy: Small radioactive sources placed inside or near the tumor emit gamma rays locally.
Advantages:
- Non-invasive for deep tumors.
- Can reach cancers that surgery cannot remove.
Precautions:
- Shielding and careful dose calculation are essential to avoid harming healthy tissues.