Researchers use X-ray spectroscopy to explain why FLASH cancer therapy is so effective

Radiation therapy is a common treatment used to kill cancerous cells. However, healthy cells also sustain damage during the lengthy treatment process. FLASH is a targeted radiation therapy that kills tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Like its namesake, FLASH delivers a short, intense burst of radiation in a single appointment. Despite this breakthrough’s proven ability, little is known about its mode of action against tumor cells.