Efficacy of radiotherapy for painful bone metastases during the last 12 weeks of life ; Results from the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for painful bone metastases. Whether this applies also in patients with limited survival remains to be investigated. This study analyzed the effect of radiotherapy for painful bone metastases in patients with a survival ≤12 weeks. METHODS: In the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study, 1157 patients with painful bone metastases were randomized to single fraction (1 × 8 grays [Gy]) or multiple fraction (6 × 4 Gy) radiotherapy. Patients who died within 12 weeks after randomization were included in this analysis. Patients were classified as respond... Mehr ...