Principles of radiotherapy and radiobiology.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current state of knowledge of radiation physics and radiobiology, combined modality treatments, the use of radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, new developments in radiation therapy, radiation safety principles, and the implications of radiation in advanced nursing practices.


METHODS
Research and review articles, oncology nursing textbooks, and physics and medical oncology textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation therapy is an important entity in the treatment of cancer, used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Research continues to grow in the use of radiation therapy to control cancer, spare surrounding normal tissue, and reduce acute long-term toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of radiobiology and physics will assist oncology nurses in providing proper education to the patient and managing radiation-induced side effects.
Dunne-Daly
C F
CF
Radiation Oncology Department, Catholic Health Partners, St Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
D006801:Humans; D018499:Linear Energy Transfer; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011853:Radiobiology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents