Radiation therapy in childhood cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review treatment-related issues and acute and late side effects of radiation therapy for the treatment of childhood malignancies.


METHODS
Research and review articles, oncology textbooks, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation therapy is a key component in the treatment of childhood malignancies. Children receiving radiation have special nursing care needs that are dependent on growth and developmental issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses play an important role in the education of families and children receiving radiation therapy. In addition, nurses are key in the management of acute and late toxicities from childhood radiation therapy.
Ruble
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Long Term Follow-up Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Kelly
K P
KP
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology