radiation therapy
Synonyms: radiotherapy (RAY-dee-o-THER-a-pee), irradiation, x-ray therapy, radiology (RAY-dee-OL-o-gee)
Definition: 
(ray-dee-AY-shun) The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or from materials called radioisotopes.
Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy.
Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body.
One who is trained in radiation therapy is a radiation therapist or radiologist (RAY-dee-OL-o-jist).
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