HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Safe Is Radiation To Treat Leukemia For 8 Year Old?

My 8 year old nephew has leukemia (ALL) and will be having a Bone Marrow Transplant in ealy Sept. ( He was a failed induction ) The week before the transplant he"ll recieve radiation 3 times daily along with his other treatments. the doctors told us that from the radiation he will be left sterile. Is this correct? Is there someway to aviod it ( place something over the area ) or at least reduce the risk?
Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
This is a tricky question. Yes, it is quite possible that the radiation may kill all his sperms. I don't think lead aprons can completely eliminate the risk. There is also one more consideration. If the full body radiation is prevented from acting on some of his bone marrow cells by the apron, it may be counter-productive as it will then cause rejection of the graft.

I am sorry that no one replied to your question ... but it might be that the BMT has already been done. In that case, your nephew must have already undergone the radiation and the procedure.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Ionizing radiation


Loading Online Doctors....
How Safe Is Radiation To Treat Leukemia For 8 Year Old?

This is a tricky question. Yes, it is quite possible that the radiation may kill all his sperms. I don t think lead aprons can completely eliminate the risk. There is also one more consideration. If the full body radiation is prevented from acting on some of his bone marrow cells by the apron, it may be counter-productive as it will then cause rejection of the graft. I am sorry that no one replied to your question ... but it might be that the BMT has already been done. In that case, your nephew must have already undergone the radiation and the procedure.