Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiography (specifically radiation therapy) uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. The core difference lies in the method used to target and destroy cancerous cells.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Chemotherapy:
- Method: Employs drugs (chemicals) that circulate throughout the body to kill or shrink rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
- Mechanism: Chemotherapy drugs work by interfering with different stages of the cell cycle, preventing cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
- Delivery: Typically administered intravenously (through a vein) or orally (as pills).
- Systemic Treatment: Affects the entire body, which means it can reach cancer cells that have spread to distant locations.
- Side Effects: Common side effects arise because chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, especially those that divide rapidly, such as hair follicles, bone marrow, and the lining of the digestive tract. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and increased risk of infection.
Radiation Therapy (Radiography for Cancer Treatment):
- Method: Uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, to target and kill cancer cells.
- Mechanism: Radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.
- Delivery: Can be delivered externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (by placing radioactive material inside the body near the cancer).
- Localized Treatment: Primarily affects the area being treated, minimizing damage to healthy cells in other parts of the body.
- Side Effects: Side effects depend on the location being treated. Common side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and specific symptoms related to the treated area (e.g., difficulty swallowing if the throat is treated).
Table Summarizing Key Differences
| Feature | Chemotherapy | Radiation Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Drugs (chemicals) | High-energy beams (e.g., X-rays) |
| Mechanism | Interferes with cell division | Damages DNA |
| Delivery | Intravenous, oral | External beam, internal implants |
| Treatment Area | Systemic (whole body) | Localized (specific area) |
| Target | Rapidly dividing cells throughout the body | Cancer cells within the targeted area |
In conclusion, while both chemotherapy and radiation therapy aim to eliminate cancer cells, they differ fundamentally in their approach. Chemotherapy uses drugs that circulate throughout the body, while radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy beams. The choice between the two, or a combination of both, depends on the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
