[Physical and biological considerations in total body irradiation for bone marrow transplantation]

Physical and radiobiological considerations are described for total body irradiation as given to patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. The dose should be prescribed to one point at the level of pelvis or umbilicus. Compensators or bolus should be employed to compensate the missing tissue. In-vivo dosimetry and port films should be performed. Since interstitial pneumonitis is one of the most life threatening complications, special considerations should be given to compensation of the inhomogeneity and dose fractionation scheme. Standardization of physical aspects in total body irradiation is necessary for multi-institutional clinical trials.