Trends in radiation therapy for the treatment of lung cancer.

Two methods of radiotherapy delivery, external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, are important curative and palliative modalities for treating lung cancer. In situations when cure is not possible, radiotherapy may be effective in controlling lung cancer cell growth. Investigative use of other ways of delivering radiation therapy, CHART, intraoperative radiotherapy, remote afterloading brachytherapy, and hyperthermia, are currently under way. Nursing diagnoses and care are based on assisting the patient in understanding the rationale for receiving radiation therapy, the way in which radiation therapy is administered, and its potential side effects.