What is Radiation Therapy in Children

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. These waves are like fast-moving X-rays. The rays are strong enough to destroy unhealthy cells.

In radiation therapy, the radiation may be delivered from outside your child’s body or from a source of radiation that is put inside his or her body.

How often and how long your child will need radiation therapy depends on his or her condition.

Radiation therapy works by destroying unhealthy cells, such as cancer cells. The energy in radiation makes cancer cells stop multiplying.

This stops the cancer from spreading. Radiation therapy affects only the cells in the area of the body that gets treatment.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe treatment. Most children experience some side effects from the therapy. Side effects depend on the amount of radiation and the part of the body that was exposed to radiation. The most common side effects include:

• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Red, irritated skin where the radiation was given.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Hair loss.
• Other effects that may appear many years later, such as:
  • Inability to have a baby (infertility).
  • Developing another type of cancer.

Questions to ask your child’s health care provider

• What kind of radiation therapy does my child need?
• What are the goals of the treatment?
• Can I stay with my child during treatment?
• Will my child need a sedative during treatment?
• How long will treatment take?
• How can I prevent or manage side effects?
• Will my child’s fertility be affected?
• Are there long-term side effects of this treatment?
• Will my child need follow-up care after radiation therapy is finished?

What happens before treatment?

• Prepare your child for what to expect. Help him or her learn how to handle the situation.
  • Role-play with your child and act out the treatment. You can take turns being the one to receive treatment, or you can use a stuffed animal.
  • Visit the hospital before treatment so your child can see where the procedure will happen and what the machines look like.
• If your child is having external beam radiation therapy, he or she will go through practice before treatment begins (simulation session). During the simulation session, the treatment team will:
  • Determine exactly where the radiation will be delivered (treatment field).
  • Put temporary marks on your child’s body. Permanent marks may also be drawn in order for your child to be positioned the same way for each therapy session.
  • Move your child into different positions to prepare for the upcoming procedure. The goal is to have a position that can be reproduced for each therapy session.
  • Use a tool that holds a body part in place (immobilization device) in order to keep the area of treatment in the correct position.

What happens during treatment?

• External beam radiation therapy. A beam of radiation comes from a machine and enters your child’s body, targeting the specific area of cancer cells.
• Internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy. A wire, seed, or other material that contains radiation is placed inside your child’s body in the area of the cancer cells. Sometimes this radiation source may be left in the body permanently, even after it stops giving off radiation.
• Systemic radiation therapy. Your child is given a radioactive medicine that travels through his or her blood to kill the cancer cells. Your child may take the medicine by mouth or may receive it through an IV inserted into one of his or her veins.
• Younger children may be given a medicine to help them relax (sedative).

Follow these instructions at home:

Radiation therapy affects every child differently. Some children do not have side effects. If your child does have side effects, you can help manage them by taking these steps:

Eating and drinking

• Offer your child small nutritious meals and snacks regularly during the day.
• Give your child bland and soft foods that are easy to eat.
• Have your child drink plenty of clear fluids if he or she has diarrhea.

Skin care

• Make sure your child’s skin is cleaned daily with warm water and a mild soap that is recommended by your child’s health care provider.
• If your child’s skin becomes dry, ask the health care provider about the use of gentle lotions or creams.
• Have your child use only warm water in the shower or bath. Very hot water should be avoided.
• Teach your child to gently pat his or her skin dry after bathing or showing.
• Remind your child not to scratch the treated area.
• Make sure your child does not wash off the markings from the simulation until instructed to do so.
• Have your child avoid being out in the sun. If your child is in the sun, apply a sunscreen that has been approved by the child’s health care provider.

General instructions

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider. These may include medicines to relieve nausea and vomiting.
• Have your child wear soft, comfortable clothing to reduce skin discomfort.
• Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for your child.
• Help your child maintain his or her weight during treatment. Ask your child’s health care team for tips.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important. The visits are usually scheduled 6 weeks to 6 months after radiation therapy.

Summary

• Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy waves of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
• In radiation therapy, the radiation may be delivered from outside your child’s body or from a source of radiation that is put inside your child’s body.
• Most children experience some side effects from the therapy. Side effects depend on the amount of radiation and the part of the body that was exposed to radiation.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.