Abstract

Patients with advanced cancer typically present with a range of distressing symptoms related to their disease. Radiotherapy can achieve symptom relief in the late stages of cancer, thereby offering the potential to improve the patient's quality of life. However, radiotherapy has a potential toxicity, which may be experienced by the patient during and after treatment. Good palliative care is based upon the maintenance of balance between the management of symptoms and the development of toxicity. This article describes the use of palliative radiotherapy according to the latest evidence. Four treatment situations are used to make the links between theory and clinical practice. The article focuses on the nursing role in managing palliative radiotherapy treatment, and offers practical recommendations and suggestions for supporting the patient with cancer. It is proposed that the timely provision of information, education and pro-active nursing interventions are the key to successful management.