Late effects after single fraction total body irradiation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of late effects following single fraction total body irradiation as part of conditioning for bone marrow transplant for benign haematological disease in children.
IRAS ID
273637
Contact name
Yen Ching Chang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Total body irradiation (TBI) is used in children with rare haematological disorders as part of the conditioning regime prior to bone marrow transplant. TBI for haematological cancers usually involves a total dose of 12-14.4Gy given in 1.8 Gy per fraction twice daily on consecutive days for 3-4 days. The late effects including endocrine, cardiac, pulmonary and renal toxicity, cataract formation, neurocognitive sequlae, infertility and secondary malignancies are relatively well described in the literature.
Conversely TBI for benign (non-cancerous) haematological conditions including thalaessamia, sickle cell disease and aplastic anaemia, involves a single fraction of radiotherapy at a dose of 2-4 Gy. To the best of our knowledge the late side effects of single fraction TBI in children, have not been described in the literature. Naturally this is something children and their parents wish to be informed about, especially considering radiotherapy is being used for a benign condition. A greater understanding of these late side effects would help inform future clinic discussions, consent processes and patient information leaflets not only at UCLH but at other treating centres.
The study will involve distribution of a questionnaire regarding late side effects which patients may be experiencing. It will focus on patient reported outcomes of these late side effects and also assess quality of life after TBI.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0444
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion