International variations in radiotherapy fractionation for bone metastases: geographic borders define practice patterns?

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2009 Nov;21(9):655-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2009.08.004. Epub 2009 Sep 3.

Abstract

Although it may be argued that single fraction (SF) radiotherapy (RT) should be regarded as the standard palliative treatment for pain due to uncomplicated bone metastases, its widespread clinical use is still underexploited. In this chapter, the authors discuss a number of surveys investigating doctors and patients' preferences for palliative RT schedules, discuss the possible reasons for this phenomenon, and suggest potential strategies to increase the use of SF.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / radiotherapy
  • Palliative Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic