[Treatment of metastases--the place of radiotherapy]

Radiotherapy has a permanent place in the treatment of metastases. Irradiation--both in palliative and curative intent--is applied mainly to treat brainand bone metastases. In the case of the latter, an appreciable reduction in pain, but also recalcification of osteolytic lesions posing a threat to bone stability can be induced. The neurological symptoms of cerebral metastases, as well as overall survival, are also improved. Here, local tumor control is largely equal to that achieved with surgical treatment of metastases. Through the use of very precise stereotactic irradiation techniques sparing normal tissue, side effects can also be kept low. Similar techniques of precision irradiation are now also being applied to visceral metastases. Impressive remission rates have been achieved in the lungs and liver.