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Purpose This study explored the range of symptoms and supportive care provided by the multidisciplinary team in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Methodology A retrospective chart review of two electronic medical records was conducted over an 18-month period. Results A total of 26 patients met criteria; 17 reported symptoms entered against the variable values of the CTCAE v5. Common symptoms included xerostomia (grade 1/2), altered taste (grades 1/2), mucositis (grades 1/3), thick saliva (grades 1/2), and skin reactions (grade 2/3). Hospital admission was required for 80.8% of patients, 69.3% required a feeding tube, 100% of patients required oral supplements, and 61.6% needed intravenous (IV) hydration. Treatments breaks were limited to two patients. Conclusion This study highlights the complex symptom experience of patients treated with CRT for HNC and their need for supportive care, highlighting the contribution from all members of the multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The standard treatment for anal cancer is sphincter-preserving treatment, using chemoradiation. Aim: This retrospective chart audit reviewed documented patients' toxicities during the course of treatment. Methodology: All patients with anal cancer over a two-year period were reviewed at the Radiation Oncology Raymond Terrace site at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH). Documentation was audited to assess reported toxicities across the course of treatment, allied health referrals and admission rates. Data was graded against the CTCAE-Version 5 using a visual toxicity display. Results: Ten females and six males were identified. Toxicities included pain, diarrhoea, perianal moist skin desquamation, fatigue, dysuria and psychological distress. Forty-seven per cent of patients scored >5 on the Distress Thermometer at baseline. Conclusion: The common toxicities resulting from concurrent chemoradiation affected all patients, with differences only in type, severity and timing. Improving bowel regimens, analgesia and weight monitoring as part of a formal clinical pathway may result in less toxicity during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A large number of patients attend for radiotherapy daily. Primary nurses in the study settings aim to individualize care for their patients. The individual characteristics of patients may determine their perceptions of nursing care, and provide guidance in tailoring their care. This study aimed to assess patients' personal characteristics on their perceptions of individualized care (IC) provided by nurses during a course of radiotherapy, and to determine predictor variables that may inform nursing practice.Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted in three radiotherapy departments in Australia. Patients (n = 250) completed the Individualized Care Scale_Patient (ICS_P). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, univariate analysis, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Males reported significantly higher perceptions of IC than females in 7/9 subscales. Patients with head and neck and prostate cancer, as well as those requiring hospitalization during radiotherapy, scored significantly higher in 5/9 subscales. Courses > 30 days, those not receiving chemotherapy, and partnered patients reported greater IC across all subscales. Gender and hospitalization were the main predictor variables for IC.Conclusion: Patients reported moderately high levels of IC during their radiotherapy; however, standard demographic information may provide limited insight into improving care for the individual. Patient characteristics routinely chosen, such as age, gender, and education may not predict how patients perceive their care or support the tailoring of interventions to improve IC. Researching a range of related patient characteristics may prove a more useful concept for future nursing studies aiming to predict outcomes to tailor nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer face significant challenges requiring support from the multidisciplinary team over the course of their treatment. Radiation oncology nurses are an important part of this team. This paper describes the use of radiation therapy and highlights how this treatment modality might impact on the patient throughout a course of treatment. There is particular emphasis on the physical and psychosocial domains for the patient, as well as the nurse's role in patient care. In the physical domain, this paper highlights the major responses by patients to the impact of radiotherapy on the skin and mucous membranes and the common sites of the body, where there is a cumulative radiotherapy effect on tissues. The psychosocial domain concentrates on a brief overview of sources of distress that may impact on the quality of life of the patient and their family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]