RADIATION-THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATO LOGIC DISEASES

Radiation therapy has a significant place in the treatment of hematolo gic diseases. Irradiation is a key component of the treatment strategy for Hodgkin's disease and has benefited from clinical studies aimed a t improving its therapeutic index. There have been many recent improve ments, in particular with regard to accuracy of techniques, imagery, d osimetry, and implementation of quality control procedures. In localiz ed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the gold-standard treatment is radiation th erapy coupled with a short course of chemotherapy. In contrast, the pl ace of irradiation in disseminated lymphoma remains to be defined. Pro phylactic irradiation of the brain is still used in patients with acut e lymphoblastic leukemia. Radiation therapy is of value as palliative treatment of bone lesions of myeloma, in chemoresistant lymphomas, and in relapses of leukemia. Total body irradiation is a cumbersome but i rreplaceable method, which has also benefited from recent clinical and biological studies. Optimal radiation therapy with the best possible therapeutic index requires adequate technological and human resources.