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Radiotherapy for bone pain
P R Needham1, N P Mithal, P J Hoskin
1Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Royal London Hospital, UK.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Radiotherapy effectively treats painful bone metastases in cancer patients, achieving 82% response rates. Fractionated regimens were common despite evidence favoring single-fraction treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Painful bone metastases are a frequent complication in cancer patients.
- Single-fraction radiotherapy is recommended, but fractionated regimens are often used.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the use and outcomes of radiotherapy for painful bone metastases.
- To evaluate the impact of fractionation on treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 105 patients treated with external beam irradiation for painful bone metastases at the Royal London Hospital.
- Assessment of treatment for 97 patients with 280 treated sites over six months.
- Analysis of fractionation patterns and overall response rates.
Main Results:
- 82% overall response rates were achieved.
- 59% of treated sites received fractionated radiotherapy.
- Fractionation did not significantly influence overall response rates, though site influenced fractionation.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy is effective for painful bone metastases, with high response rates.
- Fractionated regimens are frequently used, but do not appear to negatively impact response.
- Further investigation into optimal fractionation strategies may be warranted.