RADIATION THERAPY

⮚ Role in cancer intervention

✔ Primary curative role
✔ Adjunct to other therapy
✔ Palliation
⮚ Sources of Radiation Therapy
✔ External Radiation Therapy (Teletherapy). Administered through an X-ray
machine.
✔ Internal Radiation Therapy. Administered within or near the tumor.
⮚ Types
✔ Sealed Source (Brachytherapy)
✔ Unsealed source (oral, IV)

SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY

1. Skin Reactions
⮚ Erythema, dry/moist desquamation
⮚ Atrophy, telangiectasia, depigmentation, necrotic/ulcerative lesions.
⮚ Nursing responsibilities
✔ Observe for early signs of skin reaction and report
✔ Keep area dry
✔ Wash area with water, no soap and pat dry (do not rub)
✔ Do not apply ointments, powders or lotion on the area
✔ Do not apply heat, avoid direct sunshine or cold
✔ Use soft cotton fabrics for clothing
✔ Do not erase markings on the skin. These serve as guide for areas of
irradiation.
2. Infection
⮚ Due to bone marrow suppression
⮚ Nursing responsibilities
✔ Monitor blood count weekly
✔ Good personal hygiene, nutrition, adequate rest
✔ Teach signs of infection to report to physician
3. Hemorrhage
⮚ Platelets are vulnerable to radiation
⮚ Nursing responsibilities
✔ Monitor platelet count
✔ Avoid physical trauma or use of aspirin
✔ Teach signs of hemorrhage
✔ Monitor stool and skin for signs of hemorrhage
✔ Use direct pressure over injection sites until bleeding stops
4. Fatigue
⮚ Result of high metabolic demands for tissue repair and toxic waste removal
⮚ Plenty of rest and good nutrition
5. Weight loss
⮚ Anorexia, pain and effect of CA
6. Stomatitis
⮚ Ulceration of oral mucous membrane
⮚ Nursing responsibilities
✔ Administer analgesics before meals
✔ Bland diet, no smoking/alcohol
 ✔ Good oral hygiene/saline rinses every 2 hours
✔ Sugarless lemon drops or mint increase salivation
7. Diarrhea
8. Nausea and vomiting
9. Headache
10. Hair loss/alopecia
11. Cystitis
12. Social isolation

PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION - DTS

1. Distance - maintain a distance of at least 3 feet when not performing nursing
procedures.
2. Time - limit contact for 5 minutes each time, a total of 30 minutes per shift.
3. Shielding - use lead shield during contact with client.

TEACHING GUIDELINES REGARDING RADIATION THERAPY

1. It is painless.
2. Lie very still on a special table while the intervention is being given and you
may be placed in special position to maximize tumor irradiation.
3. Each treatment usually last for few minutes. You may hear sounds of the
machine being operated, and the machine may move during the therapy.
4. As a safety precaution for the therapy personnel, you will remain alone in the
treatment room while the machine is in operation.
5. The Technologist will be right outside your room observing you through a
window or by a closed circuit TV. You may communicate.
6. There is no residual radioactivity after radiation therapy. Safety precautions
are necessary only during the time you are actually receiving irradiation. You may
resume normal activities of daily living.