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Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

 

Total body irradiation (TBI) is a type of radiation therapy.  It uses high energy x-rays.  TBI helps prepare patients for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).  It works with chem otherapy to kill cancer cells.  In the short term, these treatments affect how well the immune system works.

 

 

TBI treatments are given Monday through Friday.  You will get eight treatments.  Most patients start treatment on Monday or Tuesday.  Two treatments per day are given, with at least six hours between treatments.  This schedule helps to reduce unwanted side effects.  Each TBI treatment takes about 30 minutes.

 

 

Getting ready for your treatment

 

  • Remove all metal before you leave your room.  This includes jewelry, eye glasses, and clothing that contains metal like a bra or blue jeans. 
  • Contact lenses should be removed also.
  • If you are wearing a hospital gown it should not contain metal snaps.  Please ask you nurse to help you with this.                                        
  • You may want to use the restroom before leaving your room. 
  • You can listen to music during the treatment.  The staff has many types of music or you can bring your own.
  • You may also watch a movie or video during your treatment.  Let the Radiation Oncology staff know 2 days in advance so they can arrange this for you.

During the treatment

 

For the treatment, you will be seated on a cart as shown here. 

 

It is important that you be able to maintain this position during the treatment.  The staff in Radiation Oncology will help you.  You can use pillows, a cushion (bolster) and towels to support your body.  Your arms will be placed as shown.  Your hands will be put together at the waist.  This placement helps to decrease the dose of radiation that goes to the lungs. The arms are at the side of the chest with hands together at the waist.  This helps to decrease the radiation dose to the lungs.  A cushion (bolster) is placed under your knees and secured with a Velcro strap. Both sides of your body will get exposed to the radiation from the treatment machine.  After one side of your body is treated, the cart is turned around so that the other side can be treated.

 

During the treatment you will be able to breathe normally.  You should try to remain as still as you can.  You will be alone in the room during the treatment.  A closed circuit TV and intercom is used.  The treatment can be paused, and the staff can help you if needed.

 

After each treatment, you will be taken back to your hospital room.  There is no radiation in your body after the treatments.

 

Side Effects from Total Body Irradiation

 

Some side effects may occur soon after your treatments start.  Your nurse can give you medicine for any of these side effects.

  • nausea and vomiting
  • mouth and throat sores
  • pain
  • diarrhea
  • jaw pain
  • swollen salivary glands
  • dry mouth
  • skin redness
  • hair loss
  • fatigue
  • low blood counts

 

 

Other side effects may occur 6 months to several years after treatments   

  • cataracts
  • decrease in growth
  • hormone problems
  • sterility
  • lung, heart, and kidney problems

 

These later side effects can develop slowly over time.  Report any problems to your doctor.  Your cancer doctors will watch for these types of problems when you are seen for follow-up visits.

 

Taking Care of Yourself during TBI

 

  • Practice good oral care.  Follow your mouth care routine. Ask your nurse about products to use or avoid.  See HFFY # 4494 Radiation Mucositis. 
  • Do not use any product that contains talc, zinc, aluminum, camphor, menthol, or alcohol.  This includes deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves.
  • Unscented lotions, creams, and ointments may be used during the week of your radiation treatments.  Do not use them at least 2 hours before your treatment. Your skin should be clean and dry during your TBI treatments.  See HFFY# 4621 Skin Care for Radiotherapy Patients.
  • When you shower or bathe, use a mild, fragrance-free soap. For example, Dove®,

Ivory ®, Basis ®, Neutrogena®, Cetaphil®, or Ivory®.

  • Avoid taking hot baths and showers as they tend to dry out your skin. 
  • If you go outside, use a good sunscreen (at least 20 SPF).  Irradiated skin burns more easily.

 

 

The staff is here to help you with any questions or concerns.  Let us know if we can make these treatments easier for you in any way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/15/2010

Copyright © 07/15/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6275

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