Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses targeted radiation to kill or damage leukaemia cells so they cannot grow, multiply or spread. The radiation is usually in the form of x-ray beams.
Overview
Radiation therapy is not often used for AML, but it may be recommended for AML that has spread, or is likely to spread, to the spine and brain. It is also sometimes given to the whole body (total body irradiation) before a stem cell transplant.
Side effects
These may include:
- skin changes
- nausea (feelign sick)
- fatigue (tiredness)
- diarrhoea
- hair loss
- a dry mouth.
For more on this, see our general section on Radiation therapy.
It’s taken me a number of years to get my stamina back to where I feel like I’m not constantly lacking energy. That’s something I’ll have to deal with for a while, but at least I’m healthy now.
—Kim
→ READ MORE: Treatment for APML
Video: What is radiation therapy?
Watch this short video to learn more about radiation therapy.
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More resources
Dr Jonathan Sillar, Haematologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle (clinical review); Dr Scott Dunkley, Haematologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Sharon Frazer, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Haematology, Westmead Hospital; Katelin Mayer, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Outreach Team, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
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