The difference between chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Many friends do not have a deep understanding of the words chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They simply think that chemotherapy is actually radiotherapy and that these two terms represent the same meaning. In fact, although chemotherapy and radiotherapy are both common methods for treating tumors, there are differences and connections between them. In addition, these two methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. So what are the differences between chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

In fact, there are huge differences between radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition to the different treatment methods, the scope of treatment and the diseases they are suitable for are also different. So what are the differences between chemotherapy and radiotherapy? Which one is more effective?

The difference between chemotherapy and radiotherapy

1. Different treatment methods: Radiotherapy is a treatment method that uses rays of various energies to irradiate tumors to inhibit and kill cancer cells, commonly known as "radiation". Chemotherapy is the application of chemical drugs (including endocrine drugs, etc.) to treat malignant tumors. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given into the body by injection into a vein, orally, or in other forms to kill tumors.

2. The scope of treatment is different: Radiotherapy, like surgical operations, is mainly local treatment. The scope of radiotherapy is called the "target area", which is the area where the radiation is concentrated for treatment. There is not much radiation outside the target area. After the radiation oncologist determines the size of the tumor and the site of invasion based on imaging and other clinical examinations, he or she must also understand the biological characteristics and diffusion patterns of the tumor in order to decide the radiation range.

Chemotherapy is mainly systemic treatment. After the drugs enter the body, they will be distributed throughout the body. They not only have an effect on solid tumors, but also have a strong killing effect on tiny invisible metastases. Of course, there are also chemotherapy methods that focus on local treatment, such as interventional chemotherapy, local perfusion chemotherapy, etc.

3. Different indications: Radiotherapy is mainly used for radical treatment of relatively localized solid tumors, such as radical radiotherapy of head and neck tumors, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, skin cancer, lymphoma, etc.; preoperative and postoperative adjuvant treatment of some tumors, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, and adjuvant treatment of other diseases; in addition, there are some tumors such as palliative radiotherapy for bone and brain metastases, etc., but it has limited effect on systemic tumors such as leukemia.

Chemotherapy is aimed at tumors that are more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, such as lymphoma, leukemia and other blood system diseases, breast cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, lung cancer, reproductive system tumors, etc.

4. Different toxic and side effects: Generally speaking, radiotherapy is mainly characterized by local reactions, which are also related to the radiation. For example, radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause dry mouth, sore throat, neck fibrosis, decreased taste function, etc.

Chemotherapy mainly causes systemic reactions, generally bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reactions, such as low blood count, nausea, vomiting, and phlebitis, etc. As long as they are handled properly, severe reactions such as serious liver and kidney damage, heart damage, etc. are not very common in clinical practice. With the development of technology, the toxic side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy are gradually being alleviated.

What are the differences between chemotherapy and radiotherapy? In fact, these two treatment methods are very effective in treating various types of tumors. Although their respective treatment methods are not the same, and the scope of treatment and even the diseases they are suitable for are different. Therefore, it cannot be said which method is better, so the best method is to choose according to your own condition and the doctor's diagnosis.