What is the purpose of using palliative radiation therapy?

The purpose of using palliative radiation therapy is to alleviate symptoms associated with cancer, rather than to cure the disease or enhance tumor growth. Palliative radiation is typically used in cases where the cancer is advanced and has metastasized, providing relief from pain, pressure, or other distressing symptoms caused by tumors. For example, it can reduce the size of a tumor that is causing pain or obstructing organs, thus improving the patient's quality of life.

In contrast, the other choices reflect objectives that do not align with the primary role of palliative care. Curing the disease is a goal of curative treatments, which aim to eradicate cancer entirely. Enhancing tumor growth is counterproductive and not a goal of any cancer therapy, as treatment is designed to control or reduce tumor burden. Preventing hair loss is a concern associated with certain chemotherapy treatments, not radiation therapy, as radiation can actually contribute to hair loss in the targeted area.