THE IMPACT OF ACUTE RADIATION MORBIDITY ON THERAPEUTIC OUTCOME

Background: The acute radiation morbidity is associated with the radia tion therapy outcome. Methods: To give a summary of the impact of acut e radiation morbidity on therapeutic outcome. Results: Excessive acute side effects, most often seen in accelerated or hyperfractionated pro tocols or in combined radiochemotherapy may lead to interruptions of t he radiation cycle and consecutively decreased tumor control rates. Th ey may also result in an increase of consequential late damages. Furth eron, the patient may feel serious discomfort by subjective or objecti ve complaints. Conclusions: Further national and international efforts have to be performed to lower the acute radiation related morbidity a nd to increase the effectiveness of radiation treatment.