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One of the earliest used treatment approaches (1899 for basal cell CA; by 1922 had become a recognized clinical therapy for cancer) Frequency of use in treatment process is 50 60 % Purposeto destroy malignant cells within the treated volume of tissue while minimizing damage to normal tissue Can be used for both local/regional disease, also for palliation
Radiation Therapy
Ionizing Radiation
Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Radiation Physics
Radiation: energy that is emitted & transferred through space. Ionizing radiation: special kind of energy which causes ejection of orbiting electron from an atom when it passes through cells
Electromagnetic waves Particulate radiation
occur DNA alterations = chromosomal strand breaks Resulting cell death or degeneration
Goals of Radiation
Cure: Localized disease Neoadjuvant therapy Given prior to definitive therapy such as
surgery Adjuvant therapy Preventive treatment to asymptomatic areas after surgery or chemotherapy Prophylaxis prevention treatment to high-risk Sites; (e.g., cranial radiation in small cell lung cancer)
Goals of Radiation
Control: Disease is extensive or recurrent
Radiation Terminology
Rad = amt of radiation
absorbed per dose Gray = international measure (1 rad = 1 cGy; 1 Gy=100 rad)
Further definitions and explanation--NCI http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/treatment/ty pes-of-treatment
Methods of Delivery
External beam: source is outside of body, administered by
machines: Linear accelerator: deliver electron energy in precise beam with little radiation scatter Cobalt 60: widely used radioisotope; emit gamma rays; lower dose & percentage depth; half-life of 5.3yrs Cyclotron: neutron beam therapy; high LET energy, but low dose rate Proton beam: small volume tumors, in clinical trials see
this website for general overview of XRT and specific information on proton beam http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/radiation/dindex.cfm?pn
body cavity or tumor bed sealed radioactive isotopes (cobalt-60, iridium192, iodine-125, gold-198) in form of tubes, seeds, wires, ribbons, applicators: "afterload" technique unsealed (metabolized or absorbed)
Brachytherapy: Sealed
Internal Delivery
Intracavitary
cesium or radium implant in vagina (cervical or endometrial cancers) Interstitial iridium implants in breast iodine or gold in prostate On the surface strontium for superficial ocular melanoma Intraluminal cesium for esophageal, lung, bile duct
Brachytherapy approaches
Radioimmunotherapy http://www.cityofhope.org/rit/
Radiopharmaceuticals
Nonsealed colloidal
isotopes Iodine 131 (po) for thyroid cancer Strontium (IV) for metastatic bone lesions Phosphorus 32 (intrapleural) for mesothelioma
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Focused high dose radiation aimed at tumor in brain, 1 treatment Computer shows exact location Tumor treated from different angles with beam of high dose XRT
Intraoperative radiotherapy
Intraoperative radiotherapy
Deliver dose directly to tumor bed Minimize injury to adjacent structure and tissue
Treatment planning
Multidisciplinary consultation Simulation to tailor to volume and
location of tumor bed localization by fluoroscopy, xray, CT immobilization devices, blocks, masks marks on skin to outline field computerized coordination Calculation of total dose, fractionation, number of fields, time schedule
Fractionation
Concept
of balancing dose-time-number of treatments considerations with the effect on a given tumor Based on fundamentals of radiobiology, fractionating (dividing)
The radiation dose spares normal tissue by allowing repair and repopulation between fractions Increases tumor kill by
allowing for reoxygenation of hypoxic cancer cells Facilitating reassortment of cells into more sensitive phases of cell cycle.
Standard5 equal fractions weekly Hyperfractionationlarger # of smaller doses (2x per day) Hypofractionationsmaller number of larger fractions Accelerated fractionationmultiple daily fractions Split course irradiationlarger daily fractions with planned break in the middle of course
Mieszkalski, Brady, Yaiger, and Class (2001) Clinical Oncology. American Cancer Society
Radiosensitizers
These are compounds that potentiate effects of XRT by
Increasing susceptibility of cells to XRT damage Decreasing cells ability to repair damage
Agents:
5 FU Taxol Cisplatin CPT II Gemcitatbine oxaliplatin
Radioprotectors
Goal is to
Modify effects of radiation on normal tissue while allowing effects on tumor Decrease incidence and severity of toxicities Enable increased XRT dose to tumor with fewer or same toxicities to normal tissue
Agents
Example is Amifostine (Ethyol) Only agent FDA approved at present
Toxicity prevention
Strategies to reduce toxicity
Multiple fields Small bowel exclusion Surgical techniques to move organs (ovaries)
Chemical approaches
Amifostine (Bruce, 2004)
Reduced SE such as mucositis, xerostomia IV administration prior to daily XRT; evaluation of the subcut route (Bruce, 2004)
pt actually being treated use lead-lined gloves & apron Internal XRT: Gamma rays Consider: Time Distance Shielding
of time
Patients are usually Self-care Prepare food tray before entering room Change linens PRN only Wear monitoring device Long-handled forceps, lead lined container available for
possibility of dislodged radiation source Limit visitors Do not care for pt if pregnant or possibly so
DO NOT need to follow these guidelines if patient is receiving
external radiation
During, or about 2 wks into rx Intermediate: Near end of and in 1st few wks after rx Long-term (chronic): months-years post-rx
elimination, diarrhea Potential impaired skin integrity Knowledge deficit Altered protective mechanisms Fatigue
Altered
Chest Esophagitis
Pneumonitis
Abd/Pelvis N&V
Cystitis Diarrhea Vaginal fibrosis Sterility
Skin Reactions
Acute
Erythemia Folliculitis Dry desquamation Moist desquamation Hyperpigmentation epilation
Late
Atrophy Fibrosis Telangiectasia Xerosis Hypopigmentation necrosis
Skin Care
Assessment
Visibility of marks Dryness, scaling, broken areas of skin Evidence of infection Location & Character of pain/itching
Notify MD for:
Deterioration in skin integrity at radiation site Rash Pain & itching at radiation site unrelieved by meds. Decreased visibility of radiation markings
Care of skin
Skin Care
Cleanse irradiated areas gently each day with tepid water & nonalkaline soap Do not remove markings Expose irradiated area to the air as much as possible Do not use tape within the radiated area Maintain room environment at a comfortable temperature Can add oil-free emollients to the bath water (e.g. Aveeno) Use topical medications to control dry skin (alcohol free, water based such as Aquaphor) Avoid lotions that contain heavy metals. May increase skin reactions Use an electric razor instead of wet shaving
Skin Care
Care of skin
Implement mouth care for those patients receiving radiation to the head and neck region. Encourage adequate fluid intake (2-3 liters/day) and well-balanced diet high in protein. Encourage patient to wear non-constricting clothing & 100% cotton material in areas that come into contact
Skin Care
Care of skin
Do not use hot/cold stimuli to radiation site
Patient Education
Instruct in effects of radiation on skin Instruct to avoid:
Use of perfumed lotion, soaps, cosmetics, deodorants, & oilbased products Scratching of radiated area Exposure to sun use sun screen Check with HCP about
care Artificial saliva Dental evaluation, fluoride rx TMJ stretching exercises Nutritional interventions
Xerostomia
RT damage to salivary glands Prevention amifostine Management
Pilocarpine (Salagen) Modify diet as needed Take frequent sips of water Humidification Salvia substitute Dental follow-up Fluoride treatment
Trismus
RT tonic contraction of the jaw muscles as a result of fibrosis Management
Physical therapy or speech therapy consult Mouth exercises jaw opening devices
Open mouth as wide as possible 20 times in succession = three times a day Place heels of both hands under jaw, push up with hands while stretching mouth wide open Place middle and index fingers on mandibular teeth & thumb on maxillary pry the mouth open. Hold open as wide as possible for 2 seconds then relax. Do 10 times with each hand, and repeat 4 times a day.
increase fluids Monitor lab - WBC, ESR Oxygen support Administer steroids
meals, antiemetics High fluid intake, avoid coffee, alcohol, tea Managing elimination alterations Antispasmodics, antidiarrheal meds, low residue diet Management/prevention of sexuality alterations Use of vaginal dilator, continue intercourse Sperm banking
skull, sternum, vertebrae, metaphyses of long bones Depends on dose and volume treated: >3000 rads, BM replaced by fibrous Limits future chemotherapy options
Fatigue
Systemic effect, possibly R/T tumor
breakdown waste products Multifactorial: previous cancer treatment, malnutrition, pain, anemia, frequency of treatments Nursing: encourage rest periods nutritional interventions pt/family education energy conservation
cataracts H&N: Hypothyroidism, osteonecrosis of mandible, skin necrosis Chest Wall/Lung: Lung fibrosis, arm edema, esophageal stricture, pericarditis Abdomen/Pelvis: Colon perforation or obstruction, fistulas, bladder fibrosis, leg or scrotal edema, impotency, infertility, vaginal retraction
Chemotherapy
Purpose of Chemotherapy
s
Administer the largest dose possible, to kill the largest number of cancer cells, while inducing reversible and tolerable toxicity in the host. "therapeutic index"
M G2 G1
Combination Therapy
s
Uses of Chemotherapy
Induction Adjuvant Primary
treatment administration
Local/regional
Preoperative Chemotherapy
s
Rationale
effectiveness
can
be measured
less
Adjuvant Therapy
s
Rationale
microscopic goes
disease
is
decrease
Primary Treatment
s
Routes of Administration
Topical (cutaneous lymphoma) s Oral (alkylating agents, hormones) s Subcu (biological agents) s Intramuscular (Depo leuprolide) s Intravenous
s
Implanted Port
Intrathecal (ARAC, methotrexate) Intrapleural (etoposide, IL, INF, platinum) Intraperitoneal (as above, often cisplatin) Intraarterial (5FU, FUDR)
Ommaya Reservoir
MYTHS?
s
All chemo makes you sick, and sicker All chemo is the same All chemo makes your hair fall out Side effects are expected and uncontrollable
SIDE EFFECTS
Kills all cells which are dividing rapidly s Mucous membranes, bone marrow, and hair follicles most acutely affected s Stomatitis, esophagitis, enteritis s Neutropenia s Alopecia s Nausea & vomiting (also chemicallymediated) s Skin changes
s
Proliferating progenitor cells s Risk factors: s Marrow tumor involvement s Prior treatment with radiotherapy, chemo s High negative nitrogen balance s Neutropenia most significant s at nadir (usually day 7-14, recovery day 28) s absolute granulocyte counts < 1,000/mm3 s duration of neutropenia as important as degree
80% arise from endogenous org. s Chemo-induced damage to GI & resp. trac facilitate entry of org. Increased when AGC < 500/mm3 s Fever >100.4 deg. or chills s need immediate antibiotic treatment s multi-agent IV antibiotics s sepsis s Patient/family education s Thorough physical assessment
What does the ANC tell? Risk for infection Not significant Minimal Moderate Severe
Neutropenic patient can not mount an adequate inflammatory response to an infecting organism.
Immunocompromised Patient
Progression from localized infection to life-threatening sepsis is so rapid fatality rate is 18% to 40% in the first 48 hours.
Mucous membranes Lungs Skin Venipuncture sites Catheter sites Perineal area Perirectal area
Viruses
Herpes virus Varicella-zoster virus Cytomegaloviru s
Fungus
Candida Aspergillus
Platelet count < 100,000/mm3 Risk for bleeding high if < 25,000/mm3 Effect of nitrosoureas, some antibiotics (mitomycin C) Patient teaching
s s s s
ORAL TOXICITY
sPain, Alteration in Nutrition s2-3 X more often in hematologic malignancies; 75% BMT patients sDirect effect (cytotoxic) or indirect (related to myelosuppression) sDose-related, common with antimetabolites & some antibiotics sRisk factors: elderly, pre-existing oral disease, local irritants, poor oral hygiene, myelosuppression
Begins at nadir, day 7-14; resolves day 21-28 s S&S: dry mucosa, burning sensation, taste alterations, pain, inflammation & ulceration, bleeding s Interventions:
s s s s
ORAL HYGIENE
s
Culture of lesions Soft toothbrush & unwaxed floss if platelet ct ok and no lesions
sDecreased
q q q
sPhysiological
q q q
Influencing Factors
sAge sPrevious sSex sCourse sHistory sHistory
emetic control
Chemotherapy Factors
sEmetic sEmetic sDose sCombination sType
potential pattern
of administration
Pattern of Occurrence
sAcute
sDelayed
q
sAnticipatory
present prior to a course of chemo q operant conditioning q difficult to treat q often persists after chemo d/c'd
q
Pharmacologic Therapy
Based on emetic pathway(s) s Consider emetogenic potential of chemo agents used s Pre-med essential s Around-the Clock dosing s Consider delayed N&V s Combination antiemetic therapy, e.g. sSerotonin inhibitor + Steroid sAnticholinergic + Anxiolytic
s
muscle relaxation
imagery
sHypnosis
sTiming s
of treatment
sAcupuncture
Enteritis
sCells of small intestine most vulnerable sAntimetabolites (ARAC, 5-FU, MTX) & antibiotics (doxorubicin, dactinomycin) s5-FU & leukovorin most toxic sSymptoms due to cellular necrosis or, less likely to infection or antibiotic-associated colitis sRisk factors: XRT to abd/pelvis, AGVH disease, antibiotics, dietary changes sCan progress to denudement of GI lining
Enteritis, con't.
s
S & S: diarrhea, abd cramping, rectal urgency, anal irritation, bloody stools Day 7-14, resolving 3-4 wks Interventions:
low fat, low residue, gluten & lactose-free diets culture for clostridium difficile toxin antidiarrheal drugs once infection R/O q anticholinergics, antispasmodics, antisecretory agents; opiates
Anorexia
Alopecia
Varies according to chemo agent (partial vs. total), anthracyclines, methotrexate, vincristine, cytoxan s Not confined to the scalp s Hair loss often total; comes out by handfuls over 1-2 day period, 2-3 wks after first cycle; reversible 4-6 wks s Patient preparation for loss s Avoid sun, cold; s Hair/scalp care s ** No ice caps
s
Cardiotoxicity
s
Cardiotoxcicity, con't.
s
Taxol:
bradycardia most common Ventricular tachycardia conduction blocks
Interventions:
baseline EKG, echo endomyocardial biopsies continuous infusion of agent early recognition of S & S
Pulmonary Toxicity
s
Irreversible and progressive Interstitial pneumonitis Pulmonary fibrosis Higher in elderly, previous XRT Agents:
Bleomycin: 10% with > 450 units, busulfan, BCNU ARAC, Mitomycin C: capillary leak, pulm. edema
Occurs from a few months to 10 years postchemo Risk factors: previous XRT, pre-existing lung disease, elderly Clinical onset slow (months) S & S: dry cough, mild fever, exertional dyspnea, basilar fine rales
Neuro Toxicity
s
Peripheral Neuropathies
myalgias, areflexia, distal sensory loss, motor weakness, foot drop vincristine, cisplatinum, taxoids dose-related, usually reversible
ifosfamide: blurred vision, CN & motor dysfunctions, incontinence, seizures, coma methotrexate: encephalopathy cisplatinum: ototoxicity HD ARAC (>2gm/m2): cerebellar + peripheral
GU TOXICITY
s Hemorrhagic
cystitis: chemo by-products bind to bladder mucosa, microcapillary irritation & ulceration & S: usually painless hematuria, suprapubic pain Cytoxan (up to 10%) & less often,ifosfamide with ifosfamide from Mesna
sS
s Agents:
s Protection s Long-term
GU TOXICITY, cont.
s
Skin Toxicity
s
Drying of skin with most agents Most dramatic is erythema, puritis & peeling (with cytokines)
FATIGUE
s
Overwhelming experience Not relieved by rest Causative factors in absence of anemia unknown; most often with cytokines Quality of life Interventions:
energy conservation
Gondal Toxicity
s
Women:
S & S (general): fatigue, anxiety, loss of libido, altered body image S & S (males): impotence S & S (females): hot flashes, irregular menses or amennorhea, dysparunia Interventions:
Second Cancers
s
Chemo is carcinogenic Related to alkylating agents Leukemias and non-Hodgkins lymphomas, with poorer prognosis than usual Highest incidence following Hodgkin's disease