Beaming in on radiation therapy.
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Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
E Sitton
Publications and source records attributed to E Sitton.
Central nervous system metastases.
OBJECTIVES: To review current management of individuals with metastases to the central nervous system and brachial nerve plexus, and to provide a scientific basis for nursing management of the effects of the disease and treatment. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, book chapters, clinical trial data, and experience from nursing literature. CONCLUSIONS: Central nervous system metastases are events that may create oncologic emergencies with neurologic impairment and pain. Treatment of patients with central nervous system metastases is generally palliative regardless of the type of the primary cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances for optimal recovery of neurologic function and pain management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Central nervous system metastases may develop in patients with systemic disease. Disease and treatment effects present challenges to patients, family, and care providers. Nurses have a responsibility in educating the patient/family and in providing supportive care.
Central Nervous System Neoplasms↗
Early and late radiation-induced skin alterations. Part I: Mechanisms of skin changes.
Early and late radiation-induced skin changes have been a concern of health professionals in radiation oncology since the early use of radiation to treat disease. Although the elicited skin reactions from solar exposure and ionizing radiation may appear to be similar, mechanisms of tissue injury are different. The time of onset, the duration, and the intensity of side effects related to radiation therapy are influenced by site of radiation field, time-dose-volume relationship, radiosensitivity of tissues in the skin, type and energy of radiation, nutritional status of the patient, adherence to skin management recommendations, and innate individual differences among patients. The effects of skin irradiation can be categorized as early and late reactions. When combined with radiation therapy, some chemotherapy agents as well as hyperthermia can enhance skin reactions.
Combined Modality Therapy↗
Early and late radiation-induced skin alterations. Part II: Nursing care of irradiated skin.
Teaching patients how to care for irradiated skin during and after a course of radiation therapy is a major concern of oncology nurses. Part I of this two-part article (ONF 19(5):801-807) focused on the mechanisms of skin injury. Many topical preparations are available for skin care. When these substances are applied, both the active ingredient and the vehicle must be appropriate for the condition being treated. Preparations may be applied to the skin as liquids (e.g., lotions, solutions, tinctures used in wet dressings, soaks, baths) or solids (e.g., powders, creams, ointments). As skin reaction progresses during a course of radiation therapy, recommendations for skin care will change. Healing of injury occurs in three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Wound healing proceeds more rapidly in a moist environment, and a variety of occlusive dressings can be used with moist desquamation.
Dermatologic Agents↗