title: Principles of oncology: how radiation therapy works.
abstract: Radiation therapy remains the primary mode of treatment for many types and stages of cancer as well as playing an extremely important adjunct role in the treatment of many other malignancies, often in combination with medical and surgical oncology. The combination treatments often yield cure and long-term control rates far in excess of single modality treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73126.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D011853:Radiobiology