Are there circumstances where you would use hemibody irradiation?
In patients with large areas of painful bone metastases, do you ever do hemibody? If so, what is the preferred dose?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I have used hemibody radiation with some regularity for widely metastatic disease, particularly for relatively radiosensitive solid tumors such as breast and prostate, and have found it particularly helpful for multiple myeloma where it can and often does work wonders for pain relief. In additi...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Hemibody RT remains a reasonable option for patients with widespread painful metastases and very limited life expectancy. RTOG 7810 established efficacy, safety, and dosing: 8 Gy x 1 lower, or 6 Gy x 1 upper. Premedicate with steroids and zofran. Nicely reviewed here.