Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What has been the traditional standard treatment for SVC Syndrome due to malignancies?

1. Chemotherapy

2. Surgery

3. Radiation Therapy

4. Immunotherapy

The correct answer is: Radiation Therapy

The traditional standard treatment for Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Syndrome caused by malignancies is radiation therapy. This choice is grounded in the understanding of the syndrome's etiology and the requirements for management. SVC Syndrome, which arises due to obstruction of the superior vena cava usually by malignancies such as lung cancer or lymphoma, often leads to significant symptoms including facial swelling, shortness of breath, and increased intracranial pressure. Radiation therapy is favored in this context because it can quickly reduce tumor mass and relieve compression on the superior vena cava, thus alleviating symptoms related to venous obstruction. Among treatment modalities, radiation can be initiated swiftly and is effective in managing localized disease that leads to the syndrome, making it a primary intervention, especially in cases where the obstruction is due to a malignant tumor. While chemotherapy can play a role in the overall treatment of underlying malignancies, it typically requires a longer time to exert therapeutic effects and is generally not the initial step in acute management of SVC Syndrome. Surgery may also be an option in specific cases, but it is not always feasible due to the location of the tumor or patient's overall condition. Immunotherapy is a less conventional approach for immediate symptom relief in SVC Syndrome and is more applicable