Skip to content
Radiotherapy Step by Stepุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠุฉ

Under physician review

Patient handout: Bone Metastases Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy Step by Step โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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.