Principles of total body irradiation

Abstract

Total body irradiation delivered prior to bone marrow transplantation remains an important component of the conditioning regimen. Proper engraftment of autologous or allogeneic bone marrow is possible because of the multifarious effects of high doses of ionizing radiation on tumor cells and the host immune system.

We will broadly outline the techniques used to deliver total body irradiation, and the effects of ionizing radiation on normal and tumor cells from a biological and molecular point of view. Finally we will report the results of randomized c1inical trials that have been conducted in our institution during the last ten years.