What type of treatment does radiotherapy provide?

Radiotherapy is primarily utilized in the medical field for its ability to destroy cancer cells. It works by using high doses of radiation to target and damage the DNA within the cancer cells, leading to their destruction or inhibition of growth. This treatment is often applied specifically to treat various types of cancers, making it an essential component of oncology practices. It can be administered in different forms, such as external beam radiation or internal radiation (brachytherapy), depending on the specific requirements of the patient's condition.

While the other options touch upon various therapeutic aspects in medicine, they do not accurately represent the primary function of radiotherapy. For instance, while radiotherapy can indeed help alleviate pain in certain cases by shrinking tumors that exert pressure on surrounding tissues, its main purpose remains the destruction of malignant cells. Enhancing physical therapy and treating respiratory issues are not direct functions of radiotherapy and do not align with the established uses of this treatment modality in cancer care. Therefore, the focus of radiotherapy on eradicating cancer makes it a vital treatment option for many patients diagnosed with cancer.