Radiation Therapy Flashcards
What is the goal of Radiation Therapy?
• To stop the progress of cancer by disrupting the cancer cell’s ability to reproduce
How does radiation therapy stop the cancer cells ability to reproduce?
• It basically breaks apart the structure of the cell and prevents DNA replication
What are common sfx of Radiotherapy?
- Sore skin
- Fatigue, Nausea
- Dry mouth, discomfort on swallowing, loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Alopecia
- Discomfort on swallowing
- Lack of labido
- Stiff joints and muscles
True or False
Radiation Therapy is the preferred treatment for Leukemia, HL and NHL
- False
- Those are systemic cancers best treated with chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy is best for targeting specific areas of cancer growth
True or False
Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are commonly used together
• True
Why would radiotherapy be used prior to surgery to remove a tumor?
• To reduce the size of the tumor and increase the odds of successful surgical removal
Why would radiotherapy be used as adjuvant treatment post surgery?
• To reduce risk of local disease reoccurrence
What is Bracytherapy?
• The implantation of radioactive materials (seeds) directly into the tumor (such as in prostate cancer)
What is pharmaceutical radiotherapy?
• Method of admin of radiotherapy where the patient drinks the preparation to treat thyroid cancers and lymphoma
What is a dosimeter?
• A badge worn to track radiation exposure
True or False
A patient receiving brachytherapy is radioactive.
• False, the implants are, not the patient
What is important to remember regarding the care of a patients receiving brachytherapy?
- Cluster care to minimize time around patient
- Wear dosimeter
- No pregnant nurses/staff to attend pt
- If implants fall out, never handle with hands, use forceps/tongs
May pts receiving brachytherapy have visitors?
- > 16y/o, Yes.
- With minimal time and proper distance maintained
Internal vs external radiation tx. Which is most commonly used?
• External
What is an example of a stereotactic method of external radiation and what is its advantage?
- Gamma knife
- It is accurate to within 1-2mm
What are some side effects common to both chemo and radiation therapy?
- Bone marrow suppression
- Fatigue
- GI disturbances
- Integumentary and mucosal reactions
- Pulmonary effects
- Reproductive effects
What is the most common side effect of chemotherapy?
• Myelosuppression (Bone Marrow Suppression)
What risks are increased due to myelo/bone suppression?
- Suppression results in reductions in RBC and WBC production that can result in increased risk of:
- Infection
- Hemorrhage
- Overwhelming fatigue
What integumentary injuries are of concern for a pt receiving external radiation therapy?
• Dry and wet radiation burns
What is of more concern, dry or wet radiation burns?
• Wet as the skin has already been breached and it has a greater chance of infection
Radiotherapy may cause pulmonary effects such as cough, dyspnea, pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. How may these be treated?
- Bronchodilators
- Expectorants/cough suppressants
- Bed rest
- Oxygen
Daunorubicin (DRUG LIST) is an anthracycline chemo (anticancer) drug that can cause
• Cardiotoxicity
What is the concern for the reproductive effects of chemo/radiotherapy?
- Certain therapies (brachytherapy for prostate cancer) call for edu to wear condom due to possibility of ejaculation of material into partner.
- Reproduction: discuss options (freezing sperm/eggs, etc)
True or False
Permanent cessation of menses occurs at a radiation dosage of 500 to 1000 cGy in 95% of women younger than 40 years of age.
• True
What are some ways we can support how our pts cope with their treatments?
- Ed: Symptom management to maintain quality of life
- Community resources
- Assist in planning, transportation, nutrition and emotional support
What is the primary cause of death in cancer patients?
• Secondary infections (ex. pneumonia)