[Characteristics of radiotherapy in childhood]

Radiotherapy of tumors in children together with surgery and chemotherapy is an important part of therapy in the multimodal approach. Since the radiotherapy of such children requires special technical as well as psychological know-how, this should only be undertaken in larger centers. The indications for using such radiation should be very strict because of the direct and longterm effects on the growing organs, and the benefits carefully weighed against the risks. It is the function of a multidisciplinary tumor team to estimate these risks. Changes in current standard therapy, as unilateral reduction in radiotherapy, should only be undertaken in controlled randomised trials.