[Support in irradiation: a responsibility of the psychosocial team]

Radiation therapy is an important treatment modality in pediatric oncology. Besides the medical aspects of ensuring optimal radiation planning and technique the psychological support of the patient before, during and after the procedure is of great importance. Careful explanation and age-adjusted preparation for the procedure is necessary to ensure the understanding and cooperation of the child or adolescent patient. This in turn will allow radiation therapy without sedation or anesthesia even in small children. In this report we describe the theoretical background and practical management of the psychological support of small children during the time of radiation therapy.