Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy (irradiation) is the use of special X-rays to destroy tumour cells.  Depending on the dose and site of the radiation that is given, this form of treatment can produce effects similar to chemotherapy, e.g. hair loss, skin irritation, nausea and changes in taste sensations.

Aimed at areas of localised disease, radiation therapy is very effective for killing cancerous cells found in specific areas in the body and can relieve pain related to localised disease.  In some types of leukaemia, special radiation treatment is given to the head, called cranial or central nervous system (CNS) irradiation.  This can produce side-effects of drowsiness and tiredness, which will improve after a short time.

Sometimes, the proposed radiation therapy may be given in small bursts rather than as one large dosage.