ABDOMINAL RADIOTHERAPY: A Discussion of Technical Variables, Organ Tolerances, Radiotherapy Reactions, and Potentia1 Veterinary Applications

Physical aspects of external beam abdominal radiotherapy are discussed. Acute, intermediate, and late radiation effects on tissue are reviewed as a basis for determining abdominal organ tolerance to therapeutic radiation. Specific tolerances of critical organs that may be affected by abdominal radiotherapy are itemized, and the manifestations of intolerance are described. Potential application of abdominal radiotherapy to veterinary medicine is proposed. Data available on management of adverse reactions to abdominal radiotherapy are summarized.