Radiotherapy: Basics & Classical Methods

This lecture covers the basics of radiotherapy, focusing on the biological principles, types, and techniques. It explains how radiotherapy is used to fight cancer by causing reproductive cell death. The lecture also discusses classical methods such as external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, as well as the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. It delves into the importance of fractionation in radiotherapy and the use of radiosensitizers and radioprotectors. Additionally, it explores the characteristics of cancerous cells and the principles of cell response to radiation. The lecture concludes with an overview of electron beam therapy, ideal source characteristics in brachytherapy, and systemic radioisotope therapy.