Radiation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia

Radiation treatment is the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is not often part of the main treatment for people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). There are a few times in which radiation may be used to help treat leukemia:

• It is sometimes used to treat leukemia that has spread to the brain and spinal fluid or to the testicles.
• Radiation to the whole body is often an important part of treatment before a stem cell transplant.
• It is used (rarely) to help shrink a tumor if it is pressing on the windpipe and causing breathing problems. But chemo is often used instead since it may work more quickly.
• Radiation can also be used to reduce pain in a bone that has leukemia in it, if chemo hasn't helped.

The possible side effects of radiation depend on where the radiation is aimed. Sunburn-like skin changes in the treated area can happen. Radiation to the belly (abdomen) can sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. For radiation that includes large parts of the body, the effects may include tiredness and an increased risk of infection.