1.   Radiation can destroy the immune system, leaving victims vulnerable to potentially fatal infections.

2.   Rays pass harmlessly through the brain except for where overlapping radiation destroys the targeted tissue.

3.   Saks said radiation often destroys these glands, making it tough for patients to swallow or speak.

4.   The blood-forming stem cells rescued mice whose own bone marrow cells had been destroyed by radiation.

5.   The aim was to pepper the gland evenly with pellets whose short-range radiation would destroy the cancer but spare the urethra, rectum and other vital structures.