Radioprotectants: adding quality of life to survivorship?
OBJECTIVE
To explore the use of radioprotectants in oncology and their affect on quality of life (QOL).


METHODS
Textbooks, manuals, and journals in radiation oncology and cancer nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
Many studies have shown that the use of amifostine has decreased the intensity and severity of treatment-related side effects as well as improving QOL. However, more research is needed in the development of newer agents and refining older agents.


CONCLUSIONS
With the advent of combined modality treatments, overall response and survival benefit has increased as well as enhanced toxicities affecting one's QOL. Agents such as radioprotectants and advances in supportive care have assisted in minimizing treatment-related side effects. Strides toward providing quality, compassionate care remain the goal of oncology nurses, while enhancing the QOL for cancer patients.
Dest
Vanna M
VM
Hospital of Saint Raphael/New Haven Radiology, PC, Father Michael J McGivney Center for Cancer Care, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. vdest@srhs.org
D004999:Amifostine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D004999:Amifostine