How can radiation therapy relieve pain when a cancer cannot be cured?

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linear accelerator; external beam radiation therapy — radiation therapy External beam radiation therapy (also known as external beam teletherapy, or long-distance therapy) being delivered using a machine known as a linear accelerator.

When a cure for cancer is not possible, radiation therapy can be utilized as a palliative measure to improve a patient's quality of life. By delivering ionizing radiation to a tumour, the treatment damages cellular DNA, which leads to cell death and a reduction in the size of the mass.1

This reduction in tumour size helps relieve pain or pressure that the growth may be exerting on adjacent vital structures. Additionally, shrinking a tumour can improve the drainage of areas such as the lung, which helps prevent infections and reduces the risk of bleeding.1