Bone Metastases Radiotherapy
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.
Preparing for CT simulation
- Preparation is simple and fast, with attention to easing your pain while you lie down.
- Tell the team your pain level so they can arrange a painkiller before the session if needed.
- Treatment can often start quickly for prompt relief.
Positioning & immobilization
- A comfortable position is chosen to suit the treated bone.
- We use cushions and supports to help you stay still without pain.
- The session is short, often shorter than other treatments.
How your treatment is planned
- The plan is usually simple and aimed at relieving pain safely.
- Many cases are treated with a single effective session, or a few sessions depending on the site and goal.
- Dose to nearby tissues is kept low.
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.
Possible late side effects
- Late effects are usually limited because of the smaller doses and sessions.
- Pain relief may take a few weeks to reach its peak after treatment.
- In a few cases the site may need re-treatment later if pain returns.
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.
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.
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?
Important notice
This platform is for explanation and education only and does not replace medical advice. Your treating physician is the final source of truth for your condition and treatment plan. Do not make any treatment decision based on this content alone.