Effects of radiation therapy on skeletal growth in childhood

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-199101000-00014· OSTI ID:5984343

Goldwein, J W ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia (USA)

Ionizing radiation was used to treat childhood cancer long before the advent of chemotherapy, and it took little time for physicians to appreciate the deleterious effects it had on skeletal growth. The cause of this complication results predominantly from alteration of chondroblastic activity. This may stem directly from irradiation at the epiphyseal plate or indirectly from irradiation of glands that secrete growth-mediating hormones. The complication can go far beyond the obvious physical afflictions and extend into the psychologic domain, rendering deeper, more permanent scars. Presently, many of these effects are predictable, reducible, and treatable without compromising the cure that so often depends on the use of irradiation. Because of the complexities of childhood cancer therapy, strategies aimed at diminishing these effects are challenging. It is imperative that these effects be understood so that they can be reduced in current patients and prevented in future patients.33 references.

• OSTI ID: 5984343
• Journal Information: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research; (USA), Vol. 262; ISSN 0009-921X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
SKELETON
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
ANIMAL GROWTH
CHILDREN
PATIENTS
REVIEWS
STH
AGE GROUPS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DOCUMENT TYPES
GROWTH
HORMONES
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PEPTIDE HORMONES
PITUITARY HORMONES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man