What to Know About Radiation Therapy for Leukemia

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy

This treatment uses strong X-rays to kill leukemia cells. For leukemia, this treatment is most often used after a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It may also be used to help control pain. In the rare cases that leukemia causes a tumor, radiation may be used to shrink it. A radiation oncologist sets your treatment plan. The plan details what kind of radiation you’ll have and how long the treatment will last. This doctor can also tell you how you may feel during and after the treatment.

If you’re preparing for a stem cell transplant, you will have radiation as an inpatient. Otherwise, you may be able to have radiation as an outpatient.