title: Palliative radiotherapy and oncology nursing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe indications and expected outcomes for palliative radiotherapy and to highlight opportunities for nurse involvement in palliative radiotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Journal articles, clinical guidelines, case studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Palliative radiotherapy is a safe, effective treatment modality for many symptoms of advanced cancer. Opportunities exist to help patients and families opt for shorter palliative radiotherapy courses when quality of life is the goal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses involved in the care of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy must be aware of the indications and expected outcomes associated with therapy. Nurses can play an important role in the management of symptoms, education, and communication between the team and the patient and family.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McMenamin
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis; D019452:Terminally Ill; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Palliative care; nursing practice; quality of life; radiotherapy