Overview of radiation- and chemoradiation-induced diarrhea.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the pathophysiology, incidence, and impact of radiation-induced diarrhea (RID), and to highlight the radiation oncology nurse's role.


METHODS
Primary and tertiary literature, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
RID is a frequent complication of pelvic radiation, both when given alone and with chemotherapy. RID can significantly affect patient quality of life. Since diarrhea may be a difficult topic for patients to discuss, special care needs to be taken to avoid underdiagnosis of this problem.


CONCLUSIONS
The oncology nurse is uniquely situated to monitor patients for the development of RID, assess its severity and provide guidance to the health care team on the patient's status.
Gwede
Clement K
CK
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents