10.2 Acute and late effects on major organ systems
4 min read•july 31, 2024
Radiation can cause both acute and late effects on our organs. Acute effects happen fast, within weeks, from high doses. They're often reversible. Late effects take months or years to show up, even from lower doses. They're usually permanent and can get worse over time.
Different organs react differently to radiation. The blood-forming system is super sensitive, while the brain can take more. Understanding these effects helps doctors plan cancer treatments and deal with radiation accidents. It's all about balancing killing cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.
Radiation Effects on Organ Systems
Acute vs Late Radiation Effects
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Top images from around the web for Acute vs Late Radiation Effects
Frontiers | The Response of Living Organisms to Low Radiation Environment and Its Implications ... View original
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Frontiers | Molecular Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Cancer Cell Death: A Primer View original
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Frontiers | Radiation-Induced Lung Injury (RILI) View original
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Frontiers | The Response of Living Organisms to Low Radiation Environment and Its Implications ... View original
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Frontiers | Molecular Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Cancer Cell Death: A Primer View original
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Acute radiation effects manifest within hours to weeks after exposure from high doses over a short period
Characterized by rapid cell death and tissue damage
Severity and onset depend on dose, with higher doses causing more severe and rapid effects
Often reversible with proper medical intervention
Late radiation effects appear months to years after exposure from lower doses over time or a single high dose
Involve progressive tissue changes and potential genetic alterations
Can occur at lower doses than acute effects
Typically irreversible and may be progressive
Threshold doses for acute and late effects vary among organ systems based on radiosensitivity
Examples:
Acute: Nausea and vomiting within hours of radiation therapy
Late: Development of cataracts years after radiation exposure to the eye
Specific Effects on Major Organ Systems
Hematopoietic system acute effects
Lymphocyte depletion
Thrombocytopenia
Neutropenia
Increased risk of infection and bleeding
Hematopoietic system late effects
Chronic bone marrow suppression
Increased risk of leukemia (particularly acute myeloid leukemia)
Gastrointestinal acute effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Potential mucosal ulceration and hemorrhage
Radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome at high doses leads to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances