[Normal tissue tolerance to external beam radiation therapy: testicles].
Although there is very little evidence for direct irradiation of the testes, they may receive significant doses, especially in the treatment of pelvic tumors in adults and in pediatrics. The exocrine function of the testis seems to be more sensitive to radiotherapy. There is a risk of sterility, even after low doses of radiation. In the adult or the child who has reached puberty, we should propose a self-preservation of semen prior to radiotherapy. In pre-pubescent children, the problem is more delicate. In all cases, it is necessary to limit the dose to the testicles without affecting the coverage of tumour volume. Patients and/or their caregivers should be systematically informed of the risk of infertility related to irradiation.
Champetier
C
C
Service de Radiothérapie, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France. c.champetier@live.fr
Gross
E
E
Pointreau
Y
Y
Zaccariotto
A
A
Dubergé
T
T
Guerder
C
C
Ortholan
C
C
Chauvet
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods; D011627:Puberty / Q000528:radiation effects; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014342:Truth Disclosure