Multi-fractionated wide-field radiation therapy for palliation of multiple symptomatic bone metastases from solid tumors.
OBJECTIVE
This was a pilot study to explore the toxicity and response of multi-fractionated wide-field radiation therapy (MF-WFRT) in patients with multiple symptomatic osseous metastases.


METHODS
From February 1997 to April 1998, a total of nine patients (5 lung cancer, 3 breast cancer, 1 prostate cancer) were treated with MF-WFRT. The patients received 1.5 Gy per fraction (twice a day) to a total dose of 7 Gy in 3 days for the upper body and a total dose of 9 Gy in 3 days for the lower body. Ten treatments in nine patients were carried out with this technique (2 upper half-body, 5 lower half-body, 3 mid-body; one patient had both upper mid-body and lower-half body treatments).


RESULTS
Pain relief was complete in two patients (20%) and eight (80%) achieved better than 50% pain relief. Seventy-five percent of pain responders achieved pain relief within one week of MF-WFRT. The pain relief was long-lasting and continued without need of reirradiation for 45% of the remainder of the patients' lives. The incidence of gastrointestinal complications was low, basically Grade 1-2 toxicity. Four patients (40%) experienced Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity. Hematological toxicity was treated with blood transfusion or G-CSF. General tolerance was excellent, and no pneumonitis or radiation-related deaths occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
This treatment modality appears to be well tolerated and effective. The optimal indications, dose, and fractionation for MF-WFRT should be further explored in randomized studies.
Hayashi
S
S
Department of Radiology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.
Hoshi
H
H
Iida
T
T
Kajiura
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D010166:Palliative Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage