Study: One Radiation Treatment Eases Breast Cancer Bone Pain

Women with breast cancer that has spread to the bone can obtain very effective pain relief from a single dose of radiation, according to Illinois researchers.

Dr. William F. Hartsell, a radiation oncologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, reported on a study involving more than 400 women who had moderate to severe pain and a life expectancy of more than 3 months.

""This is good news for patients with pain from cancer," Hartsell told the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's annual meeting in Salt Lake City.

"Radiation therapy was effective in significantly reducing pain in two-thirds of these patients," Hartsell said. "Treatment with a single larger dose was just as effective as the longer treatment course of 10 treatments in 2 weeks. There were very few side effects from the treatments as well."

Hartsell added that following the radiation treatment, one third of the patients "no longer needed narcotic medications."

Other Sources: American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology