[Half body irradiation (HBI) in advanced cancer]

From Feb. 1981 to Oct. 1983, 31 patients with advanced cancer of lung, nasopharynx, uterine cervix, breast, malignant lymphoma and others, with extensive metastasis and severe pain, were treated by HBI. The routine therapy would not have relieved the patients of such pain. 60Co was used (SSD 180 cm, dose rate 23-25 rad/min, single mid plane dose 800 rad). Six patients received a second radiation after the first one, 37 courses of HBI were performed in 31 patients (5 times for the upper half and 32 for the lower half). In 32 out of 37 courses of HBI, the pain was partially or completely relieved with a relief rate of 86% and a complete relief rate of 46%. The authors believe that HBI for advanced cancer is superior to any other means. A dose of 800 rad can shrink the tumor or render it subsided temporarily even though not curing it. The side effects on the digestive tract and blood picture were tolerable.