Half body irradiation of patients with multiple bone metastases: a phase II trial

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of half-body irradiation (HBI) on pain and quality of life in cancer patients with multiple bone metastases. The secondary aim was to evaluate side effects of the treatment.

A total of 44 patients received lower (n = 37), upper (n = 5), or sequential HBI (n = 2). The dose for lower HBI was 8 Gy in one fraction and for upper HBI 7 Gy in one fraction, with reduction of the lung dose to 6 Gy in one fraction by partial shielding. The majority of patients (n = 41) were males with prostate cancers (93%). Outcome and side effects were measured by the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30), and by the doctors' toxicity scores in the medical record. Pain relief was defined as a reduction of more than 10 points on the QLQ-C30 scale. Evaluations were performed before and 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after treatment.

Relief of pain was observed in 76% of the patients receiving HBI with 8.8% of the patients experiencing complete pain relief with no residual pain in the treated field. For most patients, the pain relief was lasting throughout the follow-up period. About one third of the patients were able to reduce their intake of analgesics. Grade 1-2 diarrhoea was the most common side effect observed in 49% of the patients two weeks after treatment. Mild pulmonary symptoms (grade 1-2) were observed in four of seven patients receiving upper HBI. No clear effect was observed on the patients' global quality of life.

Single fraction HBI is safe and effective providing long lasting pain reduction in 76% of patients with multiple bone metastases.