Patient handout: Bone Metastases Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy Step by Step — Designed for radiation oncologists to use in clinic
A fast, effective treatment to relieve bone pain from spread of disease, often in a single or few sessions.
Why radiotherapy is used
- When cancer spreads to the bones it can cause pain or weaken the bone. Radiotherapy is an effective way to relieve this pain.
- It helps many patients reduce their need for painkillers and regain movement and comfort.
- It may also be used to strengthen a bone at risk of fracture or after it has been surgically fixed.
The area being treated
- The specific bone or bones causing the pain.
- Treatment is directed to the painful area with a small margin.
- More than one site can be treated as needed.
How to prepare
- Keep taking your painkillers regularly, and expect gradual improvement over days to weeks.
- If pain increases at first, this is an expected temporary flare — contact the team to adjust your painkillers.
- Be careful of falls and ask for help moving if the bone is in the leg or hip.
- Report immediately any new weakness or numbness in the limbs.
Early (acute) side effects
- Pain may temporarily increase in the first day or two (a temporary flare) before improvement begins — this is expected and managed with painkillers.
- Mild tiredness.
- Nausea or mild bowel changes if the area is near the abdomen.
- Slight skin redness at times.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Can I be treated with a single session?
- When can I expect the pain to ease?
- What do I do if the pain increases at first?
- Is the bone at risk of fracture, and do I need movement precautions?
- Can the treatment be repeated if pain returns later?
When to contact us immediately
- New weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, or difficulty controlling urination or bowels (emergency — may indicate spinal cord compression)
- New sudden severe pain or inability to bear weight on the bone (possible fracture)
- Fever or signs of infection
- Pain not controlled at all by your usual medication
If any of these appear, contact your treatment team immediately or go to the emergency department.