Frameless, image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery.
OBJECTIVE
To trace the evolution from frame-based to frameless image-guided SRS, to discuss the basic radiobiological principle of fractionation, current clinical trial data, and procedural components of the treatment plan.


METHODS
Nursing and medical literature, neurosurgical textbooks, and select internet sites.


CONCLUSIONS
The CyberKnife (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA) is the newest machine added to the technologic armamentarium of patient care. Its capacities are only beginning to be explored and the possibilities are limitless, giving hope to countless persons.


CONCLUSIONS
Technologic advances have necessitated a diversification of nursing roles. Coordination of patient care services requires nurses to advance their knowledge of frameless, image-guided SRS.
Steffey-Stacy
Emily Cassandra
EC
The Nicewonder Cancer Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, TN 37620, USA. cassi_stacy@wellmont.org
D000465:Algorithms; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D003663:Decision Trees; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D018579:Patient Selection; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011853:Radiobiology; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000639:trends; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends