What is radiation oncology?

Radiation oncology is an independent medical specialty that treats benign and malignant diseases with radiation. It is a central component of modern cancer therapies and is often used curatively (to cure) or palliatively (to alleviate symptoms).

The goals of radiation oncology treatment are:

• Destruction of tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
• Reduction or stabilization of tumors
• Relief of tumor-related symptoms such as pain or functional impairments

Treatment is coordinated on an interdisciplinary basis and planned individually. Radiation oncologists are of course part of our tumor board at GITZ when discussing patient cases.