Surviving radiotherapy – what the future holds

摘要

The dramatic increase in the cure rates of malignancies over the last generation, especially in the paediatric population, has led to an increasing number of survivors. There is an increasing recognition of the late effects of the tumour, and its treatment whether it is surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Radiotherapy, being the oldest conventional cancer treatment, is the most studied and many long-term effects are known. There are significant impacts on patients’ lives after treatment, including academic performance, ability to hold a job and even to obtain insurance. As the professions responsible for the cure of both children and adults, there is a medico legal and moral obligation to screen for, prevent and treat or mitigate the consequences of our treatment.