ABSTRACT
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a rapidly emerging technology that enhances radiation therapy delivery. It allows for tightly conformed treatment fields and accurate delivery even with moving targets in the body. SBRT currently is used most commonly in treatment of medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancers, as well as lung, liver, and spinal metastases. Studies to date are encouraging for increased local control with acceptable patient tolerance. This article familiarizes nurses with the use of this new technology and proposes the potential nursing role in maximizing patient preparation and follow-up care.
Subject(s)
Nurse's Role , Radiosurgery , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/nursing , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/radiotherapy , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/nursing , Liver Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Lung Neoplasms/nursing , Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Spinal Neoplasms/nursing , Spinal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Spinal Neoplasms/secondaryABSTRACT
Patients with head and neck cancer often present with locally advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Treatment plans include aggressive radiation therapy, often with concurrent chemotherapy. This treatment causes significant toxicity resulting from normal tissue damage. Currently, no consensus or evidence-based practice guidelines exist regarding which type of oral care products are best to use. Nurses in one radiation oncology department initiated a performance improvement project to develop oral care guidelines and an educational-tool for patients.
