Radiation Effects in Man: Manifestations and Therapeutic Efforts

The goal of this program has been to obtain new information regarding the pathophysiologic, psychologic, immunologic, hematologic, and biochemical effects of total and partial body irradiation in human beings. The patients are irradiated, all of whom have inoperable, metastatic carcinoma but are in relatively good health, provide the opportunity to study multiple facets of the effects of radiation in man rather than in experimental animal. The data contained in this report will suggest several potential biological dosimeters previously considered to be of some value. Biochemical and psychological studies have extended the findings of a previous report in depth and scope. Success has finally been obtained in autologous marrow infusion which will permit usage of higher doses of radiation. Several new biological dosimeters are under evaluation. The only change in physical dosimetry has been the addition of partial body radiation from sternum to pubis for selected patients.