Radiation treatment involves using "high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells." (Keene 229). A linear accelerator guides the x-rays to the exact location in the body which requires treatment.

When is it needed:

In general, radiation is needed to treat:

-"Children who have leukemia blasts in their central nervous system at diagnosis
-Children who are determined to be at high-risk of relapse in the central nervous system.
-Children who have relapsed in their central nervous system or testes.
-Children who will undergo a bone marrow transplant."

In general, radiation treatment is not alway necessary. Only a small percentage of chilren with leukemia receive radiation. However, when administered, it is usually done carefully and with care for the patient.

Sources:

Keene, Nancy. Childhood Leukemia. Sebastopol: O’Reilly & Associates, 1997.

1 2