What advantage does radiation sensitizers provide in cancer therapy?

Radiation sensitizers are substances that improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy in targeting cancer cells. By making the cancer cells more susceptible to radiation, these sensitizers enhance the damage inflicted by radiation on the DNA of the cancer cells, leading to a better therapeutic outcome.

When radiation is delivered, it primarily causes damage to the DNA of cells. Radiation sensitizers work by amplifying this effect, which can result in increased cell death specifically in cancerous tissues while sparing surrounding healthy tissues to some extent. This enhancement can sometimes allow for lower doses of radiation to be used, potentially reducing side effects while maintaining effectiveness against the tumor.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of radiation sensitizers. They do not eliminate cancer entirely on their own; their purpose is to aid radiation therapy. While they might contribute to overall treatment effectiveness, they do not reduce the need for therapy or restrict their use only to skin cancer. Instead, they can be beneficial across various types of cancers.