title: The impact of one fraction of 8 Gy radiotherapy in palliative treatment of multiple myeloma patients with painful bone destructions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Radiotherapy is required to overcome pain and to promote recalcification in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of one fraction of 8 Gy regimen in palliative treatment of MM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six patients with MM and painful bone destructions were treated by 8 Gy single fraction regimen. The visual analog scale was used for evaluation of pain. Analgesic use was measured prior to and after radiotherapy (4, 12, and 24 weeks). Recalcification was evaluated with radiographs before and after radiotherapy at 1 and 3 months. Quality of life questionnaires were completed before and 4 weeks after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Decrease of pain was observed in 78.3% cases: according to the international consensus on palliative radiotherapy criteria, 43.5% were found to be completely and 34.8% partially responsive. Reduction of analgesic use was present in 68.4% and complete cessation in 31.6%. Recalcification was present in 55%: a complete response was observed in 35% and a partial response in 20%. The side effects after treatment were of the first grade and reversible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One fraction of 8 Gy regimen is effective in palliative treatment of MM patients with painful bone destructions.
authors.forename: Milda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rudzianskiene
authors.forename: Arturas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Inciura
authors.forename: Elona
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Juozaityte
authors.forename: Rolandas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gerbutavicius
authors.forename: Renata
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Simoliuniene
authors.forename: Viktoras
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rudzianskas
authors.forename: Greta Emilia
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Kiavialaitis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010014:Osteolysis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics