Common Side Effects

The old adage of ‘Prevention is better than cure’ still holds true today where side effects can be prevented from happening. Patients receiving conventional means of radiation therapy are at higher risk of developing complications and side effects as compared to modern, and more advanced techniques. RECOVER @AARO’s specialist clinical oncologists are adept at navigating the myriad of treatment techniques available, and then utilizing the techniques which are best suited for individual patients in achieving best treatment outcomes with minimal side effects and complications.

This is achieved with the selection of appropriate radiation therapy dose fractionation, mode of delivery, and skilled planning to ensure that normal organs are protected against the harmful effects of radiation as much as possible.

Memory Loss

What is it?

Memory loss is an irreversible side effect of patients receiving whole brain radiation therapy. If minimal brain tissue is irradiated, memory functions can be preserved.

Who should be concerned:

• Patients diagnosed with Brain Cancer

How we can help:

• Brain Stereotactic Radiosurgery
• Hippocampal Sparing Brain VMAT (link to
• Memantine for Prevention of Brain Irradiation–Memory Loss & Cognitive Impairment

Erectile Dysfunction

What is it?

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a known side effect of prostate cancer treatment (such as prostate surgery ie. Robotic Prostatectomy, hormonal therapy or radiotherapy).

Who should be concerned:

• Patients diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

How we can help:

• Assess most suitable technology and treatment combinations with the lowest risk of ED for your consideration.
• Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a recognized alternative outpatient treatment for prostate cancer which does not require surgery, and has been reported to have lower risk of erectile dysfunction (impotence)

Radiation Induced Fibrosis (Breast Hardening)

What is it?

Radiation induced fibrosis is a long-term side effect of radiation therapy, which sees normal tissue being replaced by scar tissue, affecting form and function of the affected tissues

Who should be concerned:

• Patients undergoing Breast RT

How can we help:

• Radiation Sensitivity Assay test: Allows your radiation oncologist to determine your risk in developing Radiation Induced Fibrosis. This information is useful in determining if a tumour-bed boost for breast irradiation should be given.
• Cardiac sparing radiotherapy – breath hold

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

What is it?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy allows patients to breathe in pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber.

Who should be concerned:

• Patients who have completed RT

How we can help:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for various late side effects for radiation therapy not limited to and including:

• Osteoradionecrosis
• Radiation cystitis
• Radiation fibrosis
• Poor wound healing

Radiation Wounds

What is it?

Radiation can disrupt and delay the normal process of wound healing. Hence, wounds may heal more slowly, exposing patients to infections and issues related to slow wound-healing.

Who should be concerned:

• Patients who are undergoing RT

How we can help:

Appropriate wound care should be provided by an experienced clinical professional. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for improving wound healing after irradiation.

Brain Radiation Necrosis

What is it?

High-dose radiation therapy can cause permanent death of brain tissue as a late side-effect of treatment.

Who should be concerned:

• Patients diagnosed with Brain Cancer

How can we help:

Upon evaluation by our experienced clinical oncologists, treatment of brain radiation necrosis may involve: Medication, Surgery, or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.