What type of radiation is primarily used in cancer treatment?

Gamma rays are primarily used in cancer treatment due to their ability to penetrate tissues and target cancer cells effectively. These high-energy electromagnetic waves can pass through the body and reach tumors located deep within tissues, making them suitable for both external beam radiation therapy and certain types of internal radiation treatments, known as brachytherapy.

The effectiveness of gamma rays in destroying cancer cells is largely attributed to their high penetration power, which allows them to deliver significant doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted approach is crucial in cancer treatment to maximize the destruction of malignant cells while reducing side effects.

In contrast, alpha particles lack the penetrating power necessary for deep tissue treatment and are more effective for certain applications like targeted alpha therapy. X-rays are also used in radiation therapy, particularly in imaging and as part of treatment regimens, but gamma rays typically have a more significant role in the direct treatment of tumors. Neutrons are less commonly used due to their different interaction mechanisms with tissues and overall less favorable therapeutic index compared to gamma rays.