radiotherapy

American  

[rey-dee-oh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌreɪ di oʊˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. treatment of disease by means of x-rays or of radioactive substances.

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radiotherapy British  

/ ˌreɪdɪəʊˈθɛrəpɪ, ˌreɪdɪəʊˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk /

noun

1. the treatment of disease, esp cancer, by means of alpha or beta particles emitted from an implanted or ingested radioisotope, or by means of a beam of high-energy radiation Compare chemotherapy

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Other Word Forms

• radiotherapist
  noun
• radiotherapeutic
  adjective
• radiotherapeutically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of radiotherapy

First recorded in 1900–05; radio- + therapy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

radiotherapy

Kim pointed out that patients in other G8 countries routinely receive surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy as standard treatment, along with treatment using the Optune device, which slows the growth of cancer cells.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

She subsequently underwent brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in an effort to keep the cancer at bay.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Her cancer was detected early meaning she required surgery, but did not need to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

This is despite Healthineers’ growth prospects and leading position and margins in imaging and radiotherapy, the analysts write.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

The clinical trial was designed to identify the highest safe dose and evaluate the potential benefits of controlled-release niacin when combined with standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 22, 2026