The state of the art in radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the modalities used to administer radiation therapy and discuss the acute effects and long-term survivorship issues experienced by patients who receive radiation therapy.


METHODS
Radiation oncology, surgical, and oncology nursing journals, textbooks, electronic resources.


CONCLUSIONS
New technology and state-of-the-art equipment has resulted in improved treatment modalities, thereby expanding traditional treatment paradigms and exploring new frontiers.


CONCLUSIONS
It is critical that oncology nurses remain cognizant of advanced technology and its influence on treatment outcomes and patient toxicity. Such knowledge will better serve patients and hopefully influence evidence-based treatment interventions.
Hogle
William P
WP
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Passavant Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, USA. Hoglewp@ph.upmc.edu
D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D011853:Radiobiology; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D011881:Radiotherapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000379:methods