Leukemia Total Body Irradiation (TBI)
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Total Body Irradiation for Leukemia
Total body irradiation (TBI) is another innovative leukemia treatment offered at CTCA. This advanced radiation therapy can be used to destroy cancerous cells anywhere in the body.
TBI often serves as part of the preparation process for leukemia patients who will undergo chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. During this radiation treatment, a machine called a linear accelerator delivers radiation therapy to the entire body.
When used before a stem cell transplant, total body irradiation treatment suppresses, or lowers, the immune system to help prevent the body from rejecting the donated stem cells. High doses of TBI can also help to eradicate any remaining leukemia cells in the body.
Advantages of TBI for Leukemia
- When used before a stem cell transplant, TBI helps to reduce the likelihood that the body will reject the transplant.
- Total body irradiation treatments are painless and treatment time is relatively short.
- The lungs are shielded to lower the risk of damage from the radiation.
Helping You Maintain Your Quality of Life
Some potential side effects of TBI for leukemia include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores, and skin changes. Your CTCA care team will proactively manage side effects using supportive therapies.
Before, during and after your total body irradiation, you’ll receive nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management and mind-body medicine—all under one roof. These therapies are designed to help you maintain your strength, nutritional intake and quality of life.
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