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New technology used in cancer treatment
NEW ORLEANS – The advancement of technology is a continual progress that affects clinical practice in a drastic manner. It is advancing so quickly that the moment a new technology is being implemented; a newer technology is being developed to replace it.
This phenomenon holds true across all areas of patient care, particularly oncology. Technological innovations are pushing the boundaries of care for patients with cancer both in the surgical setting and the interventional setting. Because of this, the implications on practice have evolved over the past several years. It is necessary, especially in the surgical and interventional realms, to remain up to date technologically.
“[Cancer] surgery has transformed from treating the necessary to performing the miraculous,” said RaDenna (Rae) Ream, RN, BSN, CNOR, Staff level IV RN in Perioperative Services, Arthur G. James & Richard J. Solove Cancer Institute, Columbus, OH.
Technologies such as robotics and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are becoming the future of care among cancer treatment; therefore, it is imperative for nurses to remain connected to technology. This task, however, becomes more daunting when the issue of capital investment versus possible revenue comes into play. Without a singular way to approach the treatment of many cancers, this progression of technology and cancer-related therapies is aiding in the development of creating a standard of care.
Disclosure: RaDenna (Rae) Ream reports no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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I think the emerging evolution of technology and its impact on the clinical arena requires the nurse to have a complete knowledge, not only of the procedure, but which candidates are benefited best by using specific technologies, based on very advanced and specific tumor types. As we evolve in technology, we need to have a broader understanding related to not only the therapies we have available, but to the advancing state-of-the-art care that is designed to reduce complications that are associated with some of the treatments and the tumors that otherwise are not amenable to surgery or radiation and chemotherapy.