What is a significant risk associated with external beam radiation therapy for retinoblastoma?

External beam radiation therapy is a treatment commonly used for retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer in children. One significant risk associated with this therapy is the cessation of bone growth. This can occur because radiation can impact the growth plates in bones, particularly when the treatment is applied at an early age when the child's bones are still developing.

Radiation exposure can inhibit the normal cellular processes involved in bone growth, potentially leading to shorter stature or asymmetrical growth due to potential damage to the growth plates. As such, monitoring bone development in children receiving external beam radiation therapy is crucial to manage and address any growth-related concerns that may arise from this treatment.