What to Expect After Radiation Therapy for CML

Because radiation affects normal cells as well as leukemia cells, you may have some side effects from this treatment. Their severity depends upon the dose, frequency, and location of the treatments. Many people have no side effects at all. If you do have them, your doctor may change the dose of your radiation. Or the doctor may stop treatment until the side effects are cleared up. So be sure you keep your doctor informed about the side effects you have. If you are having radiation directed to a specific part of your body, the side effects are usually mild. Usually side effects get better and go away when the treatment ends.

These are short-term side effects you may experience. The side effects depend in part on what area of your body is being irradiated. 

• Poor appetite

• Diarrhea if your abdomen is being treated

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Nausea

• Skin irritation

• Sore mouth (called mucositis)

Long-term side effects of radiation may not show up for several years after your treatments end. Here are some possible long-term side effects.

• Malignant tumors

• Chronic skin changes, such as a reappearance of redness after exposure to other agents such as chemotherapy 

The immediate side effects of total body irradiation can be more severe than for targeted radiation. They include an increased risk for infection from a reduction in white blood cells and from damaged skin and mucous membranes.