ABSTRACT
The damage caused by radiation treatment in the various normal tissues of the body varies
widely, both in type and in severity. Many patients testify to their experiences that the
morbidity associated with cancer therapy is very distressing, and it substantially detracts
from the therapeutic benefits. Some tissues, such as the lungs, intestine, and bone marrow,
are vital to life; severe radiation damage to these tissues may lead to death. Damage to other
tissues, such as the skin, limbs, or gonads, is not usually life-threatening; nevertheless, it can
lead to significant impairment of life.
