Half body irradiation as a pain relief tool for osseous metastases in breast cancer

ABSTRACT

This study included 18 patients 16 female and 2 male with wide spread bone metastases from breast cancer. All patients had either failed to respond to chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or developed recurrence of their symptoms. The half of the body showing most agonizing symptoms was irradiated first. The dose of the upper half was limited to 6 Gy. in order to subside the risk of radiation pneumonitis and lung complications. The lower half recieved 8 Gy after a 4-6 weeks in terval to allow bone marrow recovery. A line passing accross the bottom of the L4 vertebra is the line to separate upper and lower hemibody irradiation. The upper half hemibody irradiation extended from inferior margin of the orbit to L4. The lower half body irradiation extended 1 cm from lower border of L4 to just below knees. Premedication was given to all patients before irradiation to subside nausea and vomiting.Pain relief occured within 24-48 hours in 66.6% of all responders and in 27.8% within 2-14 days of treatment.Duration of pain relief range from less than one month to more than six months