Preliminary experience with hemi-body irradiation

In patients with generalized carcinoma of the breast, lungs, and melanoblastoma who did not respond to any routine therapy, irradiation was aimed at alleviating disorders caused by numerous metastases. The size of the irradiation field 60 x 60 cm. The dose for the irradiation of the upper half of the body was determined such as not to exceed 7 Gy in the lung tissue, for the lower part of the body it was 6-8 Gy. The effect of the therapy was assessed by subjective data given by the patient and objectified by his performance before and after therapy. Also monitored were symptoms of acute toxicity, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, pulse and temperature, and hematology and biochemistry. In 7 out of the 10 patients who had received such treatment a significant analgetic effect was achieved in 1 to 3 days following treatment and was stabilized within one week. Toxic symptoms of the therapy were not significant. (M.D.). 1 tab., 5 figs