Total Body Irradiation (TBI) refers to a medical procedure where a person's entire body is exposed to ionizing radiation. It involves the use of high-energy beams, such as X-rays or gamma rays, to target and treat cancer cells, diminish the immune response to prevent organ rejection during a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or as a preparatory method for certain blood disorders and lymphomas.
TBI is typically administered in a specialized radiation therapy unit, under the guidance of a radiation oncologist. The procedure is carefully planned to ensure precise delivery of radiation to the entire body while minimizing the exposure to healthy tissues and organs. The patient is positioned on a treatment table, and the radiation source is rotated or moved around the body to ensure even distribution of radiation doses.
Total Body Irradiation is usually conducted over several sessions or fractions to reduce potential side effects. The total dose of radiation administered depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the individual's overall health, and treatment goals. Side effects of TBI may include temporary hair loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and skin changes.
While the primary objective of Total Body Irradiation is often to destroy cancer cells, it can also be employed in preparation for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. By eliminating the existing bone marrow, the body can effectively accept the new cells, reducing the risk of rejection and increasing the transplant's success rate.
Overall, Total Body Irradiation is a medical treatment that utilizes ionizing radiation to target cancer cells or prepare the body for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, aiming to eradicate malignant cells, reduce the risk of organ rejection, or address specific blood disorders.
