For which type of cancer is radiation therapy typically the first line of treatment?

Radiation therapy is commonly the first line of treatment for head and neck cancers due to the specific characteristics and treatment responses of tumors in that region. These types of cancers often involve the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx, which are highly sensitive to radiation. Radiation can effectively target and shrink these tumors while preserving surrounding healthy tissues, making it a preferred initial approach, especially in early-stage cases.

In contrast, breast cancer may be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies, thus making it not the primary method of treatment. Leukemia typically requires systemic treatment, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, rather than localized radiation. Liver cancer often involves surgical options for localized tumors or systemic therapies, with radiation generally being used in more advanced cases, but not as the first treatment choice. This distinction highlights why radiation therapy is particularly suited for head and neck cancers as a first-line intervention.