[en] A retrospective analysis was made of 498 symptomatic osseous metastases in a total of 223 patients treated with radiation therapy from July 1985 through June 1991. Of the 498 metastases, 409 (82%) were irradiated by conventional fractionation and the other 89 were irradiated by dose-increment fractionation, low-dose short schedules or hyperfractionation. The total dose ranged from 5.4 to 74 Gy (mean, 41.4 Gy). According to a 11-point scale, the patients evaluated their pain by themselves. In addition, performance status (PS) and the duration of complete pain relief were evaluated. Of the 498 metastases, 403 (81%) and 64 (13%) showed complete and partial pain relief, respectively. Complete pain was attained in a significantly higher incidence in patients of PS grades 1-3 than those of PS grade 4. Higher complete response was associated with higher irradiation doses: 49% for 20 Gy, 70% for 30 Gy and 77% for 40 Gy. For the group of complete pain relief (403 sites), the corresponding figures were 60%, 86% and 95%. Dose-increment fractionation was superior in obtaining complete pain relief. PS was improved from grade 1 to 3 in 162 evaluable patients. The improvement rate was significantly better in PS 2 or 3 patients than PS 4 patients. Pain recurred at intervals of 3 to 21 months (median, 5 months) in 23 patients. The duration of pain relief was 16 to 79 months in 26 sites for survivors, and one to 28 months in 239 sites for deceased patients. Pain relief was unsatisfactory in 31 sites; of these, 27 sites were seen in patients of PS 4 and 19 sites were exposed to a total of 30 Gy or less. (N.K.)