Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Korea's National Cancer Center and major hospitals offer advanced radiotherapy technologies.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses high-energy radiation — X-rays, gamma rays, protons, or electrons — to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing. It is used in approximately 50% of all cancer patients at some point in their treatment — as definitive treatment (curative), adjuvant treatment (after surgery to reduce recurrence), palliative treatment (to relieve symptoms), or as part of combined chemoradiation regimens.
Modern radiotherapy has become increasingly precise, maximising tumour dose while sparing normal tissue. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the most common modality — the patient lies on a treatment couch while a linear accelerator delivers radiation beams from multiple angles to conform to the tumour shape. Advanced techniques include Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT — shapes radiation dose to the tumour contour), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT — delivers very high doses in few fractions to small, well-defined tumours), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS — very precise single-session treatment for brain tumours and metastases, using systems such as Gamma Knife or CyberKnife).
At Korea's National Cancer Center and major university hospital cancer centres, radiation oncology services use state-of-the-art linear accelerators with IMRT and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) capabilities. Treatment planning involves medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation oncologists, and radiation therapists working as a precision team. Treatment is typically given daily (Monday to Friday) over a course of 1–8 weeks depending on the cancer and intent. Side effects depend on the radiation field — fatigue is universal; localised effects (skin reactions, mucositis, bowel changes) depend on what is being treated.
Key Points
- Used in ~50% of all cancer patients — curative or palliative
- IMRT and SBRT deliver precise radiation with minimal normal tissue damage
- Korea's major cancer centres use advanced radiotherapy with IMRT and IGRT
- Treatment typically 1–8 weeks of daily sessions (Mon–Fri)
- Fatigue is the most universal side effect
- Localised side effects depend on the treatment site
When to See a Doctor
- Cancer diagnosis — discuss radiotherapy as part of multidisciplinary team review
- Bone metastases causing pain — palliative radiotherapy may be recommended
- Side effects during or after radiotherapy — specialist follow-up
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025