Radiation treatment for leukemia is often combined with chemotherapy. Radiation treatment uses high-powered rays to help damage the cancer cells and to stop them from growing and reproducing. Whereas with some types of cancer radiation therapy may be used alone, it is usually most effective for leukemia patients when it is combined with chemotherapy drugs.

Total Body Treatment

Radiation therapy is administered to the patient through a large machine. The machine may be aimed at one specific area of the patient’s body where the abnormal cells have relocated and collected. This area can include the spleen or testicles, which may become swollen due to the amount of cancer cells collected there. This type of radiation can be very useful in eliminating the abnormal cells from these parts of the body, especially when chemotherapy is also proving effective.

Radiation may also be aimed at the patient’s entire body. This is called total body irradiation, and it is usually performed before a bone marrow transplant. Total body irradiation helps to eliminate the abnormal cells from all parts of the body, including the bone marrow, so that a successful transplant can ensue. This also helps to make sure abnormal cancer cells will not return to affect the healthy bone marrow that is being transplanted.

Radiation can also have certain side effects. The therapy can leave patients feeling weak and fatigued, and their skin may be extra sensitive. Patients who have received radiation therapy should guard their skin carefully from the sun and wear loose fitting clothing. Tight clothing made of scratchy materials can irritate the skin and cause further damage. Patients should also avoid irritating lotions or perfumes and deodorants. You can ask your doctor what types of products are available that you can use to treat your skin after radiation therapy.

Generally, keeping the skin exposed to as much air as possible is the best in terms of letting the skin heal and not become weepy. Patients should be aware that their skin may be tender after the treatments are over, as well. Despite the side effects, patients who receive radiation and chemotherapy together may have a good chance of sending their cancer into remission, depending on the type of cancer they have.