Nursing Care for Metastatic Bone Cancer: Trends for the Future

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated changes in cancer care delivery.
• Oncology nurses and radiology departments re-evaluated palliative radiation treatments for metastatic bone cancer to minimize viral exposure.
• Measures like limiting treatments, social distancing, and restricting caregivers impacted oncology patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on palliative radiation treatments for metastatic bone cancer.
• To explore the role of hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) in managing patient and healthcare worker safety during the pandemic.
• To consider future trends in personalized and supportive care for bone cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of treatment adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Assessment of hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) as a method to reduce exposure.
• Consideration of patient perspectives and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) emerged as a strategy to limit treatment sessions and reduce infection exposure for immunocompromised patients and staff.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for adaptive radiation oncology practices.

Conclusions:

• A trend towards increased use of HFRT for painful bone cancer symptoms may occur.
• Oncology nurses should integrate patient perspectives and outcomes from the pandemic to inform future personalized and supportive care strategies.