Admission
Radiation
Radiation, as used for stem cell transplantation, radiation comes in three forms:
TBI - Total Body Irradiation - This type of radiation is intended to destroy cancer cells, blood cells, and the cells that make up the immune system. Several regimens for giving TBI exist. Two commonly used schemes give radiation twice daily for 3 days or twice daily for 4 1/2 days. Some of the initial side effects of TBI are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, mouth dryness, and short lasting pain in the area of the salivary glands. After one to two weeks there may be hair loss and mouth sores. The long-term side effects of TBI may include the development of significant cataracts (occurs in less than 5% of patients), infertility (occurs in all patients), lung disease in the form of fibrosis or scarring (occurs in 5 to 10% of patients), or another cancer (occurs in less than 1% of patients).
TLI - Total Lymphoid Irradiation - This type of radiation is generally given to patients who do not have a malignancy, but who need to have their immune system abolished so that new healthy bone marrow can be accepted. This type of radiation is given only to areas of the body which have lymph tissue. It may be given in a single dose or multiple doses. Patients tolerate this type of therapy with minimal nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Involved Field Irradiation - This type of radiation is given to a small area of the body posing particular concern because of a tumor currently or previously in that area. This outpatient treatment is given before and/or after B&MT and may consist of a series of daily treatments given over a period of several weeks. In some patients, this radiation may be best given at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics when special expertise or technology is required.
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