AXREM Publishes New Guidance to Differentiate Radiotherapy and Radiology

AXREM, the UK trade association representing suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT and care equipment, has published a new guidance document, Differentiating Radiotherapy and Radiology, to support clearer understanding of two of the most critical disciplines in modern healthcare.

While both radiotherapy and radiology rely on advanced technologies and the use of radiation, they serve distinct and complementary roles within patient care. This new publication provides a clear, accessible explanation of the differences, helping policymakers, healthcare professionals, stakeholders and the public better understand how each specialty contributes to patient pathways.

Radiology is primarily focused on diagnosis and monitoring, using imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and PET to identify disease and guide clinical decision-making.

Radiotherapy, by contrast, is a treatment discipline that uses high-energy radiation to treat disease, most commonly cancer, by targeting and destroying abnormal cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Put simply, radiology helps to find and understand disease, while radiotherapy is used to treat it.

The document also highlights the multidisciplinary nature of both specialties, with radiology and radiotherapy teams comprising a wide range of clinical, scientific and technical professionals. In radiotherapy particularly, many experts work behind the scenes to ensure treatments are accurately planned, safely delivered and continuously optimised for patient outcomes.

In addition, the guidance outlines important distinctions in how radiation is used: radiology typically involves low-dose (or no radiation in some modalities) imaging, whereas radiotherapy uses high-dose radiation for therapeutic effect. Both are governed within the NHS by strict regulatory frameworks, including IR(ME)R, ensuring patient safety and quality assurance at every stage.

Supporting Clarity Across Healthcare

This new publication forms part of AXREM’s ongoing commitment to improving understanding across the healthcare ecosystem and supporting effective communication between industry, clinicians, policymakers and patients. By clearly defining these two fields, AXREM aims to reduce confusion, support workforce awareness and strengthen alignment across healthcare delivery.

Radiotherapy Special Focus Group

The development of this guidance has been supported by AXREM’s Radiotherapy Special Focus Group (SFG), which brings together leading radiotherapy equipment suppliers and experts from across the sector. The group works collaboratively to address key challenges in radiotherapy provision, including access to innovative technologies, workforce considerations and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of cancer treatment. Through initiatives like this publication, the Radiotherapy SFG continues to promote greater understanding of radiotherapy’s vital role and the importance of sustained investment in this life-saving treatment modality.

AXREM Radiotherapy SFG Convenor, David Kynaston said: “I am delighted to see this important resource, developed collaboratively by the AXREM Radiotherapy SFG to clearly explain the distinct differences between radiotherapy and radiology. While both disciplines play vital roles in patient care, confusion between them remains common, frequently leading to a lack of understanding about the critical contribution radiotherapy makes to cancer treatment.

AXREM CEO, Sally Edgington said: "Clarity in our sector isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Radiology and radiotherapy each play profoundly important but fundamentally different roles in patient care and this guidance helps ensure that everyone from policymakers to the public can understand those distinctions with confidence.

Our members work at the forefront of both disciplines and I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative effort led by our Radiotherapy Special Focus Group to produce this publication. By demystifying how these specialties differ, we strengthen the foundations for better communication, better workforce understanding and ultimately better outcomes for patients.

As the UK continues to push for earlier diagnosis, faster access to treatment and world‑leading cancer care, ensuring clarity across the healthcare ecosystem is essential. This guidance is another step in AXREM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the NHS, championing innovation and advocating for the professionals and technologies that make modern healthcare possible."

For more information about the AXREM Radiotherapy Special Focus Group and its activities, please visit axrem.org.uk.

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