Supportive therapy in radiation oncology.

Measures for supportive care of the radiation therapy patient are presented. These include emotional support prior to and during the course of therapy facilitated by a written interview that allows the radiation oncologist to be a supportive communicator of realistic information. A discussion is made of the support of body tissues affected by combination radiation and chemotherapy. These tissues usually include skin, oral, esophageal and intestinal mucosa, and teeth. Means of maintaining nutritional support following weight loss of patients during therapy are described.