Define the term "radiation therapy" in the context of treatment.

Radiation therapy refers specifically to the use of high doses of radiation in a controlled manner to destroy or damage cancer cells. This treatment modality takes advantage of the fact that cancer cells are more sensitive to radiation than normal cells. By targeting tumors with precise radiation beams, the therapy seeks to maximize the effect on malignant cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

This approach can be used as a primary treatment for certain types of cancer or as an adjuvant therapy alongside surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the size of tumors or eliminate residual cancer cells. The effectiveness of radiation therapy is informed by various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, making it a crucial component in the comprehensive management of cancer patients. The use of imaging technology for diagnosis, low doses of radiation to enhance healing, and radiation for pain management, while relevant in various aspects of medical treatment, do not accurately encapsulate the primary goal of radiation therapy, which is to eradicate cancerous growths.