RADIATION-THERAPY DURING PREGNANCY

Malignant disease requiring radiation therapy during pregnancy present s an enormous challenge for the clinician. The optimal radiotherapeuti c management of the patient and optimal management of the pregnancy in volve directly opposing demands. If radiation is unavoidable, it must be performed with extreme caution and maximum effort ii, reduce the do se to the fetus by special shielding techniques. Decisions regarding t he use of radiation therapy during pregnancy, a delay of therapy or pr egnancy termination should be made by a multidisciplinary team and be guided by the prognosis of the disease, the stage of gestation, the ri sk to the fetus from the expected fetal radiation dose, and the patien t's ethical and religious beliefs.