Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastases

Understanding external beam radiation therapy for bone metastases

• External beam radiation therapy involves a series of outpatient treatments to accurately deliver radiation therapy to the bones. The radiation will only be directed to the bone area where the tumor was found.
• Treatments are usually given every day, Monday through Friday, for about one to three weeks. Each treatment itself only takes a few minutes. Sometimes treatments are delivered in a single, large dose such that treatment is completed in one day. In selected situations, retreatment can be considered with stereotactic techniques.
• Before starting radiation, you will undergo a radiation “planning” session where the radiation treatment team creates a way to set your treatments up accurately on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes, devices to keep you in position are used to help with accuracy of daily set up.
• You then undergo imaging in the treatment position, typically with a CT scan or fluoroscopy. The radiation oncologist then works with his or her treatment team to “prescribe” the radiation treatment.
• Tailoring each of the radiation beams allows doctors to target more of the cancer cells while sparing nearby organs.