How does radiation treatment primarily induce cell apoptosis?

Radiation treatment primarily induces cell apoptosis by damaging DNA and causing double-strand breaks. When cells are exposed to radiation, particularly ionizing radiation, the energy can interact with the cellular components and lead to direct breaks in the DNA strands. These double-strand breaks are particularly harmful because they disrupt the integrity of the genetic material, posing a significant threat to the cell's viability.

Cells have repair mechanisms to fix DNA damage; however, when the damage is extensive or the repair mechanisms fail, it can trigger apoptotic pathways. This programmed cell death is a protective response, preventing cells with severely damaged DNA from proliferating and potentially forming tumors. Therefore, the ability of radiation to inflict such critical DNA damage is central to its efficacy in treating cancer, as it primarily induces apoptosis in malignant cells.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the primary mechanism at work in radiation therapy. Enhancing DNA repair mechanisms would not lead to apoptosis; instead, it would allow damaged cells to survive. Promoting cell cycle progression is contrary to the effects of radiation, which typically halts or disrupts the cell cycle. Inhibiting protein synthesis, while potentially affecting cell function, does not directly correlate with how radiation specifically induces apoptosis through DNA damage.