Calibration of a Neutron Polarimeter

This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant NSF PHY-931478

Re-Irradiation for Painful Bone Metastases Using Three Different Fractionation Schedules of Radiation Therapy Re-Irradiation for Painful Bone Metastases Using Three Different Fractionation Schedules of Radiation

Abstract: Purpose: Treatment of bone metastases comprises a large part of the radiotherapy daily practice. Palliative radiotherapy has proven to be successful in treating pain caused by bone metastases. Aim of the study: This study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of re-irradiation for painful bone metastasis comparing different fractionation schedules with assessment of subjective response and toxicity. Patients and methods: Ninety patients with painful localized bone metastases, were classified into 3 groups; group A, included 30 patients who received single fraction 8 Gy, group B, included 30 patients who received 30 Gy in 10 fractions and group C, included 30 patients who received 40 Gy in 5 fractions; patients who did not respond to therapy referred to pain clinic to complete management by different modalities according to World Health Organization (WHO) step ladder approach. Results: Four weeks after radiotherapy; complete response was achieved in 23.3%, 26.7 and 30% in groups A, B, and C. When considered the overall response at 4 weeks post radiation were 85%, 90% and 95% in groups A, B and C respectively, with no statistical significant difference among the three groups (P >0.05). Also, radiation toxicity were assessed 8 weeks after radiotherapy and the results revealed that treatment was well tolerated in the three groups with no significant difference. Also, there was no significant difference among the three groups as regard other prognostic factors as performance status and site of bone metastasis. Conclusion: No statistically significant difference had been found among the 3 groups regarding fractionation schedules and treatment morbidities, so, in palliation of pain from bone metastases using radiotherapy, the treatment schedules should be individualized, regarding cost and time