Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Radiation therapy is a therapeutic option in the treatment of many childhood cancers. It involves the use of high-energy waves and/or matter that injure and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be delivered to a patient via external, internal, and systemic methods. Procedural sedation is most frequently requested for external radiation therapy. Regardless of the method of external radiation used, patient immobility contributes greatly to successful therapy. The goal of the sedationist in the management of a child undergoing radiation therapy is to maintain the optimal environment in terms of patient safety and immobility so that the radiation oncology team can provide the most effective treatment.