Radiation Treatment

These instructions are for patients receiving radiation treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Pediatric Proton Therapy Center.

Important information about radiation treatment visits

If there is a problem with the machine and radiation treatment needs to be rescheduled, someone from the Radiation Oncology Department will call you. Please make sure your contact information is correct in your child's medical record.

Instructions before radiation treatment

• If your child is having general anesthesia for radiation:

  • Follow the instructions from the anesthesia team about eating and drinking before every radiation appointment. If your child eats or drinks on the morning of treatment, we will need to cancel the treatment.

  • Tell the anesthesia team about any home medicines that your child is taking. If your child's medicine schedule needs to be changed, the anesthesia team will give you instructions.

• If your child is not having general anesthesia, they may eat something before radiation treatment. If you bring snacks for you or your child while waiting for treatment, please do not eat in the CHOP waiting area. Younger children who may be in the waiting area are not allowed to eat before their treatment. You may eat in the main Penn waiting area.

• Your child will need to change into a hospital gown or shirt before the treatment. It is best for them to wear clothes that are easy to take on and off. It might be helpful to have a change of clothes for your child and yourself.

• Bring your child's favorite drink or formula and snack for after the treatment. We cannot store food or provide snacks. 

• It may be helpful to bring your stroller. Your child may still be a little sleepy after their treatment and may not feel like walking.

• Bring a favorite blanket or comfort item and books, music, video games or any other items that will help you and your child pass the time. All of the treatment rooms have speakers, so your child may listen to music or audiobooks during treatment. Your child can request specific music or can create a Spotify playlist. Listening to music or an audiobook during treatment can help your child relax and make the time pass more quickly. Headphones and ear buds are not allowed during treatment.

Instructions for radiation treatment days

• It is important that you come to every therapy appointment and to be on time. Please call the Radiation Oncology PACU Nurses Station at 215-615-5691 as soon as possible if you realize that you are going to be late or unable to come to your appointment. We will discuss the best option for you.

  • We understand that you may have to juggle many appointments for your child. We have many child and adult patients who are scheduled for radiation therapy appointments. Every appointment slot is very valuable.

• Call if your child is having radiation-related problems or concerns.

• Always call if your child has a fever and is scheduled for radiation that day or the next day. It is also important to inform your oncology team of any fevers.

  • Fever of 101.3 degrees F (38.5 degrees C) once, or fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) three times in a 24-hour period, taken at least 2 hours apart.

  • The decision to go ahead with treatment will be made by the radiation oncologist and the anesthesiologist after discussion with your medical oncologist. Sometimes it is better that your child not have treatment if they are very sick. We will add any missed days to the end of the treatment schedule.

Radiation Contact Information

If you have any questions during your child's radiation treatments, you may contact the radiation oncology team or stop at the nurses' station for assistance. You do not have to wait for your weekly visit to ask questions.

Penn/CHOP Radiation (Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm)

PACU Nurses' Station: 215-615-5691

Penn Nurses' Station: 215-615-5604 (after 3pm)

Oncology Contact Information

Reviewed November 2025, by Elizabeth Cummings, MSN, CPNP-AC, CPHON, Kelly Clegg, BSN, RN, CPHON