What is a primary therapeutic use of radiation in medicine?

Radiation is primarily utilized in medicine for targeting cancer cells, a key aspect of cancer treatment. This procedure, often referred to as radiotherapy or radiation therapy, involves using high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their ability to grow and divide. Cancer cells generally have a higher sensitivity to radiation compared to normal cells, which allows radiation therapy to be effective in shrinking tumors and reducing the spread of cancer within the body.

In contrast, treating infectious diseases typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications rather than radiation, as infection management focuses on eliminating pathogens rather than targeting cellular structures. Similarly, the prevention of allergic reactions is managed through avoidance strategies and medications, such as antihistamines, rather than the application of radiation. Lastly, chronic fatigue syndrome is approached through supportive care and symptom management, without a role for radiation therapy in its treatment. Thus, the use of radiation in targeting cancer cells distinguishes it as a critical component in the oncology domain for effective treatment strategies.