Risk of second cancers after photon and proton radiotherapy: a review of the data

Health Phys. 2012 Nov;103(5):577-85. doi: 10.1097/HP.0b013e3182609ba4.

Abstract

Control rates for pediatric and adult malignancies are now approximately 80 and 60%, respectively, due to dramatic improvements in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy is responsible for many of the adverse late effects of treatment, which is now well documented in the literature. The most serious and life threatening side effect of radiotherapy that affects both children and adults is radiation-induced second primary cancers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / prevention & control
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / prevention & control
  • Photons / adverse effects*
  • Photons / therapeutic use*
  • Proton Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Risk
  • Time Factors