Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells. Special equipment sends high doses of radiation to the cancer cells or tumor. This means that, unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy focuses specifically on the part of the body where the cancer is. Sometimes, your doctor will recommend radiation to treat your cancer. Other times, they may recommend it to help you feel better — for example, to minimize bone pain if the cancer has spread to your bones. Radiation therapy can take place on its own, but doctors frequently recommend it together with chemo to maximize your chances of success.