RADIATION-THERAPY TOXICITIES

Since the infancy of radiology and radiation therapy, reactions to rad iation have been noted and followed, and attempts have been made to mi nimize these reactions. We have turned to radiobiologists to explain t hese reactions and to radiation oncologists to prevent or decrease the normal tissue effects of radiation therapy. Radiation toxicities are divided into early (acute) and late (chronic) reactions; however, it i s important to note that severe toxicities are rare and occur typicall y in less than 5% of veterinary radiation therapy patients.