Randomized prospective clinical study of small, large and twice-a-day fraction radiotherapy

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing small, large and twice-a-day fractions for the relief of painful bone metastases was performed from 1981 to 1986 at T.W.M.C. Pain was assessed using a score and response rate were 75 % for small, 76 % for large and 67 % twice-a-day fraction radiotherapy. The large and twice-a-day fraction radiotherapy were found shorter onset of pain relief than large fraction, but the dose of onset of that was almost same. Our data suggested that individualization of radiotherapy schedules was important in the treatment of painful bone metastases based on patient's condition, radiation site and field. (author)