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Emergency Medicine1137 papers

Radiation sickness following radiation therapy

Last edited: 4/13/2026

Overview

Radiation sickness following radiation therapy refers to acute adverse effects resulting from excessive exposure to ionizing radiation during therapeutic procedures, leading to systemic symptoms and potential organ dysfunction 819.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hematological abnormalities, and gastrointestinal issues 8.
  • Diagnostic tests involve monitoring blood counts, assessing organ function (e.g., renal, hepatic), and using dosimetry to quantify radiation exposure 819.
  • Grading systems often correlate severity with absorbed dose and clinical manifestations 8.
  • Management

  • First-line treatments: Supportive care including hydration, blood transfusions for hematological issues, and symptomatic relief 8.
  • Adjunctive therapies: Use of hematopoietic growth factors (e.g., G-CSF) to mitigate bone marrow suppression 8.
  • Monitoring: Regular clinical assessments and laboratory tests to track organ function and recovery 8.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnant patients: Unique considerations for fetal radiation exposure and maternal-fetal outcomes; specialized monitoring and interventions may be required 17.
  • Pediatrics: Increased sensitivity to radiation; close monitoring of growth, development, and organ function; tailored supportive care 19.
  • Elderly: Higher risk of comorbidities exacerbating radiation sickness; individualized supportive care focusing on symptom management and organ support 8.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Implement comprehensive supportive care including hydration and blood product support for hematological complications (Evidence: Strong 8).
  • Utilize hematopoietic growth factors to manage bone marrow suppression in severe cases (Evidence: Moderate 8).
  • Tailor monitoring and interventions based on patient-specific factors such as pregnancy status, age, and comorbidities (Evidence: Expert opinion 1719).
  • References

    1 Bazyka DA, Sushko VO, Chumak AA, Fedirko PA, Talko VV, Goryainova NV et al.. STATE INSTITUTION «NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE, HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE» RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2024. Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii 2025. link 2 Gupta K, Ripberger J, Fox A, Maiello M, Peach K, Jenkins-Smith H. Risk communication and public response to potential radiation emergencies in New York City. Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis 2025. link 3 Akbarov K, Korol N, Yanovych L, Vasylenko V, Bruni E, Habicht J. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL MODULE «MANAGING EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT AND MEDICAL RESPONSE TO A RADIATION EMERGENCY IN UKRAINE». Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii 2024. link 4 Bazyka D, Sushko V, Chumak A, Fedirko P, Talko V, Yanovych L. STATE INSTITUTION «NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE, HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE» - RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2023. Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii 2024. link 5 Tsujiguchi T, Naraoka M, Koiwa T, Yamanouchi K, Ito K. Japanese radiological technologists' perceptions and interest in disaster medicine and radiation emergency medicine. Frontiers in public health 2024. link 6 Chandra A, Chakraborty A. Exploring the role of large language models in radiation emergency response. Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection 2024. link 7 Mc Laughlin J. Should the current radiation protection paradigm and its recommendations be modified to make them more fit to protect the public in future nuclear emergencies?. Radiation protection dosimetry 2024. link 8 Maughan NM, Zoberi JE, Garcia-Ramirez JL, Michalski JM, Baumann BC, Amurao M et al.. Handling Patient Emergencies During Radiopharmaceutical Therapy. Practical radiation oncology 2024. link 9 Stetsyk V, Tereshchenko H, Chumak AA. MOLDOVA - SYSTEMATIC PREPAREDNESS FOR MEDICAL RESPONSE TO RADIATION EMERGENCIES. Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii 2024. link 10 Al-Sulaimani SK, Al-Balushi H, Al-Balushi A, Panchatcharam SM, Al-Shamsi M, Kazzi Z et al.. Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Oman Emergency Physicians and Residents Regarding Radiation Emergencies. Disaster medicine and public health preparedness 2024. link 11 Andresz S, Allisy-Roberts P, Economides S, Morgan J, Kabrt F, Packer S et al.. Synthesis of the European ALARA network 20th workshop 'ALARA for interventional radiology and nuclear medicine'. Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection 2024. link 12 O'Rourke M, Moore N, Young R, Svetlic S, Bucknall H, McEntee MF et al.. An investigation into the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of radiation protection in interventional radiology and cardiac catheter-laboratories. Journal of medical imaging and radiation sciences 2024. link 13 Richardson SL, Buzurovic IM, Cohen GN, Culberson WS, Dempsey C, Libby B et al.. AAPM medical physics practice guideline 13.a: HDR brachytherapy, part A. Journal of applied clinical medical physics 2023. link 14 Dennstädt F, Putora PM, Cihoric N. (Common) Data Elements in Radiation Oncology: A Systematic Literature Review. JCO clinical cancer informatics 2023. link 15 Hurwitz MD, Chundury A, Goodman CR, Jones J, Lo SS, Saeed H et al.. ACR-ARS Practice Parameter on Informed Consent Radiation Oncology. American journal of clinical oncology 2023. link 16 Beltrán Ponce S, Katz LM, Seldon C. Achieving the Unachievable: Work-Life Balance in Radiation Oncology. Practical radiation oncology 2023. link 17 Riser A, Perez M, Snead MC, Galang RR, Simeone RM, Salame-Alfie A et al.. CDC Division of Reproductive Health's Emergency Preparedness Resources and Activities for Radiation Emergencies: Public Health Considerations for Women's Reproductive Health. Journal of women's health (2002) 2023. link 18 Su Y, Cui S, Sun Q, Deng J, Cheng J. Analysis of the Status of Radiation-generating Medical Devices in Mainland China. Health physics 2023. link 19 Sharma UC, Attwood K, Pokharel S. Quantitative analysis of International Health Regulations Annual Reports to identify global disparities in the preparedness for radiation emergencies. BMJ open 2022. link 20 Honorio da Silva E, Martin CJ, Vanhavere F, Dabin J, Buls N. An investigation into potential improvements in the design of lead glasses for protecting the eyes of interventional cardiologists. Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection 2022. link 21 Koenig AM, Schweer A, Sasse D, Etzel R, Apitzsch J, Viniol S et al.. Physical strain while wearing personal radiation protection systems in interventional radiology. PloS one 2022. link 22 Choi YY, Yoo SY, Yang M, Seong KM. The Current Safety Regulation for Radiation Emergency Medicine in Korea. International journal of environmental research and public health 2021. link 23 Zanardo M, Gerasia R, Giovannelli L, Scurto G, Cornacchione P, Cozzi A et al.. A critical appraisal of the quality of guidelines for radiation protection in interventional radiology using the AGREE II tool: A EuroAIM initiative. European journal of radiology 2021. link 24 Sindhu KK. On Failure. Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education 2020. link 25 Corrigall RS, Martin CJ, Scott I. Observations of tissue reactions following neuroradiology interventional procedures. Journal of radiological protection : official journal of the Society for Radiological Protection 2020. link 26 Carbaugh EH, Antonio CL, Lynch TP, Nelsen LA. A Contingency Plan for Catastrophic Loss of Bioassay Services. Health physics 2019. link 27 Veenema TG, Lavin RP, Bender A, Thornton CP, Schneider-Firestone S. National nurse readiness for radiation emergencies and nuclear events: A systematic review of the literature. Nursing outlook 2019. link 28 Fojtíková I, Helebrant J, Kuča P. RAMESIS PROJECT: COLLABORATION WITH SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS ON THE BUILDING OF A CITIZEN MONITORING NETWORK. Radiation protection dosimetry 2019. link 29 Zander A, Paunesku T, Woloschak G. Radiation databases and archives - examples and comparisons. International journal of radiation biology 2019. link 30 Wieder J. Communication, Education and Public Information for Radiological Emergencies: What Is Next?. Health physics 2018. link 31 Marin JR, Thomas KE, Mills AM, Boutis K. Computed Tomography Risk Disclosure in the Emergency Department: A Survey of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program Leaders. The western journal of emergency medicine 2018. link 32 de Ruvo A, Cox D. PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND-CENTRE FOR RADIATION, CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS (PHE-CRCE) EXTERNAL EXPERT EXPERIENCE IN THE JOINT EXTERNAL EVALUATION (JEE) MISSION FOR THE RADIATION EMERGENCIES TECHNICAL AREA. Radiation protection dosimetry 2018. link 33 Lee U, Kim HR. Development of AN On-site, Rapid, Environmental Radiation-distribution Monitoring System for Decision Making during a Radiation Emergency. Health physics 2018. link 34 Mouw KW, Beck TF, Keen JC, Dicker AP. Assessing the Training and Research Environment for Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Immunology in Radiation Oncology. JCO clinical cancer informatics 2018. link 35 Marin JR, Thomas KE, Mills AM, Broder JS, Boutis K. Practices and attitudes towards radiation risk disclosure for computed tomography: survey of emergency medicine residency program directors. Emergency radiology 2017. link 36 Kopeć R, Bubak A, Budzanowski M, Sas-Bieniarz A, Szumska A. HOW DO HOSPITAL STERILISATION PROCEDURES AFFECT THE RESPONSE OF PERSONAL EXTREMITY RINGS AND OF EYE LENS TL DOSEMETERS?. Radiation protection dosimetry 2016. link 37 Pasciak AS, Jones AK, Wagner LK. Application of the diagnostic radiological index of protection to protective garments. Medical physics 2015. link 38 Clarijs T, Coeck M, Van Bladel L, Fremout A. Basic radiation protection training for nurses and paramedical personnel: Belgian experience and future perspectives. Radiation protection dosimetry 2015. link 39 Li Y, Wang J, Li G, Lin W, Li X, Tong R. Successful treatment of a case of extensive radiation burns with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association 2013. link 40 Sheikh S, McCormick LC, Pevear J, Adoff S, Walter FG, Kazzi ZN. Radiological preparedness-awareness and attitudes: a cross-sectional survey of emergency medicine residents and physicians at three academic institutions in the United States. Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2012. link 41 Gersten DB, Langer SG. Programming in the small. Journal of digital imaging 2011. link 42 Park KD, Jang M, Akashi M. Training programs for radio-nuclear emergency response in the Asian region. Health physics 2010. link 43 Wambersie A, Zoetelief J, Menzel HG, Paretzke H. The ICRU (International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements): its contribution to dosimetry in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Radiation protection dosimetry 2005. link 44 Ali MM, Haselhorst S, Foster A. A standardized form for weekly check of therapy charts. Medical dosimetry : official journal of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists 1998. link00112-x) 45 Miller AA, Holecek MJ. Guidelines for radiation oncology registrar training. Royal North Shore Hospital. Australasian radiology 1996. link 46 Probert JC, Atkinson CH. New Zealand: one small country's history of radiation oncology. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics 1996. link00313-6) 47 Ali MM, Khan FM. Determination of surface dose rate from a 90Sr ophthalmic applicator. Medical physics 1990. link 48 Wilson JF, Diamond JJ. Summary results of the ACR (American College of Radiology) experience with an in-training examination for residents in radiation oncology. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics 1988. link90207-6) 49 Davis LW, Cox J, Diamond J, Flynn D, Halberg F, Moss W. The manpower crisis facing radiation oncology. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics 1986. link90333-0) 50 Aoki CT. Beam anomaly for a cobalt-60 teletherapy machine. Radiology 1978. link 51 Son YH. Radiation carcinogenesis. Cancer 1975. link36:3<941::aid-cncr2820360315>3.0.co;2-n) 52 Kortsha GX. Industrial hygiene and safety controls at a 1.5 MeV electron beam accelerator facility. American Industrial Hygiene Association journal 1975. link 53 Sagan LA. Human radiation effect: an overview. Health physics 1971. link

    Original source

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      STATE INSTITUTION «NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE, HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE» RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2024.Bazyka DA, Sushko VO, Chumak AA, Fedirko PA, Talko VV, Goryainova NV et al. Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii (2025)
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      IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL MODULE «MANAGING EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT AND MEDICAL RESPONSE TO A RADIATION EMERGENCY IN UKRAINE».Akbarov K, Korol N, Yanovych L, Vasylenko V, Bruni E, Habicht J Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii (2024)
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      Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Oman Emergency Physicians and Residents Regarding Radiation Emergencies.Al-Sulaimani SK, Al-Balushi H, Al-Balushi A, Panchatcharam SM, Al-Shamsi M, Kazzi Z et al. Disaster medicine and public health preparedness (2024)
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      (Common) Data Elements in Radiation Oncology: A Systematic Literature Review.Dennstädt F, Putora PM, Cihoric N JCO clinical cancer informatics (2023)
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