Context:
Delhi’s Lady Hardinge Medical College opens Radiation Therapy facility.
Radiation therapy:
- A type of cancer treatment in which cancerous cells are killed by exposing them to ionizing radiations, such as X-rays, gamma rays, high-energy electrons or heavy particles.
- Types –
- External (Teletherapy): Uses a linear accelerator and radiations are sent from a distance to target cells.
- Internal (Brachytherapy): Source of radiation is put inside the body.
- Significance: Highly effective and well-established treatment for brain, breast, head and neck, cervical cancers, etc., while minimizing damage to healthy tissues from high doses of radiation.
- Side-effects of Radiotherapy: Fatigue, Nausea, Hair loss, Loss of appetite, etc.
Proton therapy:
- An advanced and highly precise radiation treatment for cancerous cells.
- Focuses more energy on cancerous cells itself with less radiation to surrounding healthy tissues.
Traditional radiotherapy vs. Proton therapy:
| Parameters | Traditional Radiation Therapy | Proton Therapy |
| Potential for Harm to Adjacent Healthy Cells | Minimal | Extremely Minimal |
| Suitability for Treatment Near Sensitive Organs (e.g., eyes, brain, spine) | Not Recommended | Highly Recommended |
| Expense | More Affordable | Higher Cost |
| Severity of Side Effects | Generally Severe, Can Impact Daily Life | Typically Mild, Less Likely to Disrupt Normal Activities |
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
In the context of recent advances of human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
Answer: (d)
