Adverse Effects Of Radiation Therapy

Overall, cancer rates are projected to increase from approximately 9 million in 2017 to approximately 26 million new cancer cases by 2030. About 30% to 50% of all cancer patients receive irradiation either alone or with chemotherapy and surgery. Therefore, around 7 million patients receive radiotherapy worldwide every year. Improved cure rates of all malignancies have resulted in more providers being confronted with a large number of patients with a wide range of chronic morbidities in long term survivors. Hence all providers must be aware of the common adverse effects of radiation therapy.Side effects of radiotherapy are classified as acute (early), consequential, or late effects on normal tissues over time. Acute radiation toxicity is seen within a few weeks after treatment and usually involves intermitotic cells (skin and mucosa). Consequential effects are seen when acute complications are not treated and cause persistent damage. Late complications emerge months to years after exposure and usually involve postmitotic cells (liver, kidney, heart, muscle, and bone). This chapter briefly outlines a review of common complications of radiotherapy.