Half body irradiation [HBI] in metastatic carcinoma

Twenty eight patients with distressing pain due to widespread bony metastases have been treated by systemic radiation therapy. Ten patients received upper half body irradiation to a dose of 600 cGy, uncorrected for lung transmission, while 14 patients received lower half body irradiation to a dose of 800 cGy. Four patients received both upper and lower half body irradiation. Patients with multiple myeloma received 300 cGy for both halves. The response rate was 78% and the relief of pain occurred within 24-48 hours. The treatment was well tolerated and heamatologically safe