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Radiotherapy
Introduction
Increasing numbers of patients are receiving radiation therapy which delivers
radiation to the site of the cancer only, and is considered local treatment of
the cancer. (Chemotherapy is systemic therapy because the chemotherapy is
distributed throughout the entire body). Radiation therapy can be given as the
primary treatment or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or hormone
therapy.
Radiation therapy can be deliver in many ways:
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Teletherapy (external beam) uses a treatment machine at some distance from the
body.
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Radiosensitizers are drugs that are administered along with (concurrent)
radiation therapy to enhance the effects of radiation and include cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, 5 FU etc.
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Brachytherapy is when a sealed radioactive source is placed in or near the
cancerous area.
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Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive materials that are injected intravenously
or taken orally for a systemic effect. The radioactive substance travels to
areas of the body requiring treatment. Thyroid cancer is frequently treated
with radioactive iodine.
For more information click on
Introduction to Radiotherapy (PDF Power-Point presentation).
Oncology Nurses managing patients receiving radiotherapy by any means must have
an understanding of Radiation Protection in the delivery of care to patients
and their familites.
Organizations administering radiotherapy will have an Radiation Safety Officer
and most often a Radiation Safety Committee (RSC).
External References
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