What are radiosensitizers used for in cancer treatment?

Radiosensitizers are specifically used in cancer treatment to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. These agents work by making cancer cells more susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation. When combined with radiation treatment, radiosensitizers can help to increase the amount of damage that is inflicted on the tumor cells, potentially leading to more effective eradication of the cancer.

The mechanism of radiosensitizers often involves interfering with the tumor cell's repair processes or enhancing the action of radiation on the DNA within the cells. This improved effectiveness can lead to better treatment outcomes and potentially allow for lower doses of radiation to be used, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

While other options may relate to different aspects of cancer care, they do not pertain to the specific function of radiosensitizers in the context of radiation therapy. For example, tumor size reduction may be a direct result of effective treatment but does not specifically address how radiosensitizers function. Similarly, alleviating pain or preventing nausea is important in patient care but falls outside the role of radiosensitizers in enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness.