FOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING

Radiation therapy

Source: Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: May 16, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.

Context: Treatment Option Overview / The following types of treatment are used:

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer. It is used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma and may also be used as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Learn more about Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.

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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice