Aplastic Anemia Pre-transplant Radiation Treatment & Effects

Radiation is used for treatment of some types of cancers. It is also used to treat a patient prior to a bone marrow transplant. Prior to a bone marrow transplant (or stem cell transplant), total body radiation is used to kill the immune system and bone marrow. Typically, a level 12 radiation is used (comparatively, breast cancer radiation levels are usually at 40).

During Radiation
Extra precautions to take during and after radiation treatment include dietary changes, skin protection, clothing (not wearing tight clothes), and getting plenty of rest. For more information, see Radiation Treatment Care: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_What_Can_I_Do_to_Take_Care_of_Myself_during_Therapy.asp?sitearea=MBC

Effects of Radiation
Radiation can cause fatigue, loss of hair, eating problems (particularly nauseau, sores in the mouth).

Brain Radiation
Stereotactic radiosurgery is often used when cancer has only spread to a few sites in the brain. Side effects vary depending on where the radiation is aimed, and usually become most serious 1 to 2 years after treatment. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to watch for and when to call for help.

Sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation when cancer has spread into many sites. This may also be done to prevent cancer from spreading to the brain. Whole brain radiation can cause some of the following side effects:

• headaches
• swelling of the brain
• hair loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• hearing loss
• skin and scalp changes
• trouble with memory and speech
• seizures

Medicines are usually given to prevent brain swelling, but it is important to let your doctor know about headaches and other symptoms. Delayed effects (usually 1 or 2 years later) of whole brain radiation can be caused by death of brain tissue. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.

Stomach & Intestinal Radiation
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3X_What_Side_Effects_Occur_With_Radiation_Therapy_to_the_Stomach_and_Abdomen_Area.asp?sitearea=MBC