Late sequelae of radiotherapy in adults

Support Care Cancer. 2005 Oct;13(10):775-80. doi: 10.1007/s00520-004-0697-z. Epub 2005 Jul 22.

Abstract

Around 3-5 million cancer patients receive radiotherapy worldwide every year. Improved cure rates have led to physicians being confronted with a range of late radiation sequelae, broadly of two types-late effects on normal tissues (LENT) and radiation-induced second malignancies (RISM). These late changes affect the function and quality of life of cancer survivors, increase with increasing radiation dose and show a relationship with time. Overall risks for LENT and RISM are 5-10% and 2-10%, respectively, and the potential benefits of radiotherapy outweigh these risks.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Connective Tissue / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*