When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the medical team develops a treatment plan that may include different types of therapies. One of these treatments is radiation therapy, which uses high-energy particles or waves to target and damage cancer cells. This approach can be a component of a comprehensive strategy for managing various childhood cancers. Understanding its function, applications, and potential effects can help families navigate the treatment process.
How Does Radiation Work?
Radiation therapy works by directing focused energy at cancer cells. This energy damages the cells’ DNA, which is their genetic blueprint. When the DNA is damaged, the cancer cells can no longer divide and grow, and they eventually die. The body’s natural processes then clear these dead cells away. Oncologists carefully plan the treatment to deliver a precise dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Specialized machines deliver treatment that aims beams of radiation at the specific area of the body affected by cancer. The medical team customizes the plan for each child, determining the total dose and the number of treatment sessions needed. This detailed planning process involves imaging tests to map the tumor’s exact location and size.
Which Cancers Respond Best?
Radiation can be an effective treatment for several types of childhood cancers, either alone or combined with other therapies like chemotherapy or surgery. Its use depends on the type of cancer, its location, and the child’s overall health. Certain cancers are exceptionally responsive to this form of treatment. Here are some of the childhood cancers where radiation therapy may help:
- Brain Tumors: Radiation is frequently used to treat tumors in the brain and spinal cord, as it can target specific areas within the central nervous system.
- Leukemias and Lymphomas: For some leukemias, radiation may be directed to the entire body before a stem cell transplant. It is also used to treat lymphomas, which are cancers of the immune system.
- Neuroblastoma: This cancer develops from immature nerve cells and may appear in different parts of the body. Radiation can help shrink tumors or treat areas where cancer has spread.
- Wilms Tumor: A type of kidney cancer, Wilms tumor may be treated with radiation to shrink the tumor before surgery or to treat any remaining cancer cells afterward.
- Sarcomas: This group includes cancers of the bone and soft tissues, such as Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Radiation therapy is often part of the treatment plan for these tumors.
The decision to include radiation in a child’s treatment plan is made after a thorough evaluation by the oncology team. They will review all aspects of the diagnosis to determine the most suitable course of action.
How Do Side Effects Vary?
The side effects depend on several factors, including the part of the body being treated, the total radiation dose, and the child’s age. Because children’s bodies are still growing, they can be more sensitive to radiation’s effects. Side effects can be short-term, appearing during or shortly after treatment, or long-term, developing months or years later.
Short-term effects often relate to the area being treated. A child might experience redness or irritation in the treatment area, similar to a sunburn. Fatigue is another common side effect. If radiation is directed at the head or abdomen, other effects like hair loss or nausea may occur. Most of these short-term issues resolve after the treatment course is completed.
Long-term side effects are a key focus for pediatric oncologists. The effects may vary widely based on the treatment site. Radiation to the head may affect brain development or hormone function, while radiation to the chest could impact heart or lung health later in life. Medical teams work to minimize these risks by using the lowest effective dose and most precise techniques available. They also monitor children for many years after treatment to manage any late effects that arise.
Consult a Specialist
Each child’s situation is unique, and treatment decisions require careful evaluation by a specialized medical team. If you have questions about radiation therapy or your child’s treatment plan, please speak with a pediatric oncologist. They can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s specific health needs.
