The Kurume medical journal
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Reirradiation to previously irradiated peripheral bone metastases for pain has been shown to be safe and effective, but no specific trial has been completed to define the indications for reirradiation of patients with recurrent symptoms of metastatic bone disease. Thus, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and prognostic factors of reirradiation for painful bone metastases. To do so, we reviewed the cases of 14 patients with painful bone metastases who had undergone reirradiation at our hospital. ⋯ Performance status was correlated with pain response, with borderline significance (p = 0.06). No severe adverse events were reported. We conclude that reirradiation of painful bone metastases is effective in providing pain relief, especially for patients with a long interval from initial radiation and good performance status.