What Is the Difference Between Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy?
Disease description:
My friend is 42 years old this year and was recently diagnosed with cancer, requiring both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He would like to know: What are the differences between radiation therapy and chemotherapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Lei
Differences Between Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy:
1. Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses ionizing radiation, whereas chemotherapy employs chemical drugs.
2. Radiation therapy is primarily used for localized treatment, while chemotherapy is generally administered for systemic treatment.
3. Side effects of radiation therapy are typically localized, whereas those of chemotherapy are usually systemic.
4. They are indicated for different types of cancer.
