Whole-body irradiation is part of a cancer therapy concept that is often used for lymphomas and leukemias. Whole-body radiotherapy is often combined with high-dose chemotherapy. These measures serve as preparation for a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. The aim is to cure the cancer.
Here you will find further information and selected specialists for whole-body radiotherapy.
Whole-body radiotherapy is part of the medical specialty of oncology. This primarily deals with cancer. Oncologists plan the optimal, individualized form of therapy for their patients. The most common treatment options for cancer are
Normal, i.e. localized, radiotherapy is used for the targeted destruction of cancer cells in a small area. Whole-body radiotherapy is used for cancers that affect the whole body. These include
The immune system of those affected also suffers irreversible damage. Doctors refer to this phase of
also known as "conditioning".
Whole-body irradiation is therefore considered a particularly radical form of therapy. It is usually carried out in combination with high-dose chemotherapy. This therapy forms the basis for the success of the subsequent stem cell transplantation.
Whole-body radiotherapy is part of the overall interdisciplinary therapy concept. Various disciplines are directly interlinked here, so that the close cooperation of many specialists is required. In addition to oncologists and tumor immunologists, this also includes specialists for bone marrow transplants.
Irradiation of the body to destroy cancer cells © Mark Kostich | AdobeStock
For leukemia and lymphoma patients, whole-body irradiation primarily serves as preparation. Aggressive chemotherapy is often used at the same time.
These forms of cancer cannot be surgically removed. The aim of the therapy is therefore to destroy all benign and malignant cells. This increases the chance of removing the cancer from the body down to the last cell.
The cells are replaced by healthy bone marrow or stem cells from other donors (allogeneic transplantation). Under certain circumstances, cells from the patient's own body can also be used (autologous transplantation).
If the therapy is successful, they then take over the immune defense and blood formation in the body.
During conditioning, the oncologist decides in favor of
The decision depends largely on the type and severity of the disease.
Prior whole-body irradiation increases the chance that the body will accept the foreign cells.
The therapy issuccessful if
The whole-body irradiation procedure is carried out in individual sessions spread over several days. The entire body is exposed to high-energy radiation. Irradiation is usually carried out using the so-called "Berlin chair technique" in a sitting position.
The radiation is lethal for many body cells. Sensitive organs therefore require protection. For example, lead blocks can be placed on the body in the appropriate places. They attenuate the radiation and thus reduce the radiation dose in the covered region.
Depending on the clinical picture, the treatment may vary slightly from case to case. If necessary, individual regions can be irradiated in addition to whole-body irradiation.
One possible course of treatment is three days with two irradiations per day. The total dose is between 4 and 12 gray (Gy). The individual dose is usually 2 Gray.
Common side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy are
Exposure, if not permanent damage to organs such as the
is also conceivable, but occurs less frequently. Allergic reactions are also frequently observed in children.
However, doctors can alleviate or completely suppress many of these symptoms. This is what supportive therapy does.
Supportive therapy can consist of, among other things
consist of. Following the doctor's instructions to the letter also helps to mitigate many side effects.
Scarves, caps and hats can be used to conceal the unavoidable hair loss. In most cases, the hair grows back after the end of treatment.
You should always discuss the side effects in detail with your oncologist. Cancer therapy can also affect fertility. If you wish to have children, you should discuss the options.
Appropriate aftercare also prevents or reduces complications and side effects. Patients also benefit
Whole-body radiotherapy is part of a comprehensive treatment concept. The chances of success and therefore the chances of recovery vary from person to person.
They depend on a number of factors, including the type and stage of the disease and optimal conditioning.
If you have any questions or uncertainties, generally seek medical advice so that you are aware of the individual procedures and their risks and chances.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
