The Direct and Indirect Action of Radiation on Cancer Tissues

Abstract

THE problem of the mechanism of action of radiations (X-rays and radioactive substances) on the vital elements assumes a truly imperious character with regard to pathologic and especially malignant tissues, because it commands the orientation of our therapeutic measures. At the present time, in spite of the fact that this question is far from settled, the technics employed by the different schools of radiotherapy vary as they favor one or the other solution of the problem. The essence of this problem is well known. To explain the destruction of cells by radiation one may admit— 1. A Direct Action. — The radiations provoke in the cell itself, within the molecular structure of which its living matter is composed, a disruption of equilibrium, which results in the more or less rapid death of the element itself or of its derivatives. 2. An Indirect Local Action.—The rays irritate the general tissues which supply nourishment, and the death of the cancer cells is the result of the increase in the local defensi...