ABSTRACT
Our 21st century has moved us into a world of technology never imagined. The aim of our article is to move oncology nurses beyond the realm of external beam radiation therapy. We chose to present 3 modalities of high precision that are infiltrating the everyday world of radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial brain tumors and brachytherapy for prostate cancer require an expanded knowledge base for nursing to deliver excellent patient care. Cardiac patients receiving radiation seeds is new in the world of oncology nursing. These patients are unique but they are now a part of our world. Expanding our knowledge base to include a radiation procedure in cardiac care does bring us beyond the world of external beam radiation. Patients often seek information from nurses. Having an understanding of the basic principles and techniques will enable oncology nurses to educate patients. The purpose of this article is to explain the procedure of stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy for prostate cancer, and intravascular brachytherapy for cardiac restenosis. Our discussion will include selection criteria, potential sides effects and risks, and nursing care.
