Palliative Radiotherapy
Treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, often in few sessions with limited side effects.
Why radiotherapy is used
- Palliative treatment does not necessarily aim to cure, but to relieve symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or pressure, and to improve your comfort and quality of life.
- It is often effective and fast, and given in fewer sessions than curative treatment.
- It is an important and compassionate option that has its place in your care plan — not a giving up on treatment.
The area being treated
- The specific symptom-causing area (such as a painful bone, or a tumor causing bleeding or pressure).
- Treatment is directed to relieve the symptom with the least possible disruption.
- It may include more than one site if there are multiple symptoms.
Preparing for CT simulation
- Preparation is usually simpler and faster than curative treatment, with your comfort kept in mind.
- If you have pain, tell the team to arrange pain relief before lying on the couch.
- The plan is designed to start quickly when urgent symptom relief is needed.
Positioning & immobilization
- A comfortable lying position is chosen to suit the treatment site and your condition.
- We may use cushions and supports to help you stay still without pain.
- If staying still is hard because of pain, we work on solutions to make the session bearable.
How your treatment is planned
- The plan is usually simpler, focusing on relieving the symptom safely and quickly rather than high, extended doses.
- The team balances the intended benefit against minimizing any added disruption.
- Many palliative treatments are given in a single session or a few sessions.
Early (acute) side effects
- Mild, local effects usually depending on the treated area.
- Temporary tiredness may occur.
- In bone treatment pain may briefly increase before it improves (a temporary flare) — this is expected and managed with painkillers.
- Mild nausea if the area is near the abdomen.
Possible late side effects
- Because of the smaller number of sessions and doses, late effects are usually limited.
- This depends on the treated area and the dose used.
- Your doctor will explain what applies specifically to your case.
When to contact us immediately
- New weakness or numbness in the limbs, or difficulty controlling urination or bowels (emergency — may indicate spinal cord compression)
- New severe pain not controlled by your usual medication
- Fever or signs of infection
- Heavy bleeding or severe breathlessness
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 tell the team if they are no longer enough so we can adjust them.
- Arrange someone to accompany you if you feel weak or fatigued.
- Do not hesitate to ask for support — comfort and quality of life are a core goal here.
- Note your symptoms and their changes to help the team fine-tune treatment.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the specific goal of this treatment (pain relief, stopping bleeding, reducing pressure)?
- When can I expect to feel improvement?
- How many sessions, and could it be a single session?
- What do I do if the pain increases after starting?
- How does this treatment fit with the rest of my care?
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.