"The future of cancer treatment is geared at a more individualized approach," said Briola. "High-dose rate brachytherapy allows us to target the tumor directly by selecting the most appropriate and effective treatment for the individual patient. The treatment process for low-dose rate brachytherapy can be long and very uncomfortable for patients. High-dose rate brachytherapy gives them another choice."
Low- or high- dose rate brachytherapy can be used to improve local control of the tumor, treat inoperable or recurrent tumors, treat areas at high risk for recurrence, preserve the function of vital organs, provide comfort in recurrent disease, and minimize radiation damage to the surrounding tissues.
With high-dose rate brachytherapy, treatment time is shorter, more comfortable, and most often performed on an outpatient basis. In most cases the entire procedure is performed in a few hours over the course of a couple days – cutting the treatment time dramatically. For example, the delivery of the radiation for cervical cancer patients generally lasts 15 to 20 minutes depending on the strength of the source and must be given 72 hours after the last dose. Patients may receive a combination of external beam therapy and chemotherapy in conjunction with high-dose rate brachytherapy.
Other benefits of high-dose rate brachytherapy include increased safety due to less radiation exposure, decreased side effects and a reduced likelihood of additional surgical procedures.
"Patients seek treatments based on cure, survival and quality of life," explained Briola. "Oncology nurses must be able to educate patients on what to expect during treatment and to help the patient manage potential side effects, radiation safety issues, and self-care. When a patient knows all the facts they can make an informed choice best designed to suit their lifestyle and be apart of the treatment process."
Briola is among the staff of Fox Chase nurses who, in 2000, were recognized for excellence with the Magnet Award. At Fox Chase, nurses not only specialize in oncology, but further concentrate within a particular field allowing them to provide the most up-to-date treatment.
Others presenters include Jeannette Lawall RN, MA OCN, of St. Joseph's in Burbank, Ca. and Chris Flynn, RN BSN, of the William Beaumont Medical Center.
Fox Chase Cancer Center was founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, Pa. as the nation's first cancer hospital. In 1974, Fox Chase became one of the first institutions designated as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fox Chase conducts basic, clinical, population and translational research; programs of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer; and community outreach. For more information about Fox Chase activities, visit the Center's web site at www.fccc.edu or call 1-888-FOX CHASE.