Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Patients

Types of Radiation Therapy

There are two main types of radiation therapy:

1. External beam radiation therapy: This treatment is delivered to a specific area of the body (such as the leg, chest or brain). Multiple beams of radiation are produced in the radiation machine and directed at the tumor. The machine used to deliver the radiation does not touch your child, similar to the way X-ray images are taken. The treatment is usually painless. Side effects are typically limited to the area of the body being treated.
2. Internal radiation therapy: This treatment is given from inside the body and can be administered locally (brachytherapy) or throughout the entire body (systemic radiotherapy). 
   • In brachytherapy, radioactive material is put in a small container called an implant. It is placed into the part of the body to be treated. Brachytherapy allows higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor in a short amount of time.

The type of radiation therapy that your child may have depends on many factors, including:

• the type of cancer
• the size of the tumor
• the tumor’s location in the body
• how close the tumor is to normal tissues that are sensitive to radiation
• your child’s general health and medical history
• whether your child will have other types of cancer treatment
• other factors, such as the patient’s age and other medical conditions

What To Expect During Radiation Therapy

The first visit to the radiation center may take 3 to 4 hours. The radiation doctor will explain what to expect during treatments. They will also talk about side effects and answer any questions.

The parent or caregiver will sign forms that give permission to start your child’s treatments. Your child will have a CT scan to find the exact spot(s) that needs treatment. A dosimetrist uses a large machine called a simulator to plan radiation treatment. They take measurements and mark where treatment will be on the body. 

A mask that goes around the head and neck will be made if they’re in the field of radiation, the place on the body where the radiation beam is aimed. The mold will be used to help keep the head and neck still during treatments. 

Ink marks or stickers may be applied to the area where your child will get radiation. Remind your child not to remove the stickers. They will not hurt. Your child will likely get treatment each day, Monday through Friday, except on holidays. The number of treatments can vary and could last for many days or weeks. Before leaving, you’ll schedule upcoming treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Radiation Therapy Take?

Radiation treatments can last from a few minutes to 30 minutes. The total time is based on the length of the treatment and other visits you have that day. On some days when your child has radiation therapy, you will also see the radiation doctor.

Does Radiation Therapy Hurt?

The treatments will not hurt. If your child is too young to lie still, the doctor will give them medicine to make them sleepy.

What are some possible side effects from radiation therapy?

• Skin
  • At the radiation site, skin may look or be dark, dry, itchy, or sunburned.
  • The radiation doctor can tell you what to do to help your child’s skin. Don’t use any lotions until you talk to the doctor or health care provider.
• Hair
  • Hair located in the area of radiation may be lost. It may or may not grow back.
• Stomach
  • Your child may be sick to their stomach. You may be given medicine to help.
• Blood Counts
  • Radiation therapy may cause low blood counts. This can cause anemia, low platelets, and/or a higher risk for infection.
  • Your child may have bloodwork done at Nationwide Children’s or at the radiation center so their blood counts can be monitored. 
  • If a blood or platelet transfusion is needed, it will be done at Nationwide Children’s, not at the radiation center.

Location and Directions

The James Outpatient Care
2121 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43221

Nationwide Children’s radiation therapy is done at the Proton Center at The James Outpatient Care Center, just a short drive from Nationwide Children’s main campus. Radiation therapy is done while your child is out of the hospital. If you have problems with transportation or getting to the radiation center, talk to your cancer social worker about getting help. If your child needs to get radiation therapy while in the hospital:

• Nationwide Children’s will arrange for you to be transported by an ambulance.
• A nurse will go with you.