The impact of one fraction of 8 Gy radiotherapy in palliative treatment of multiple myeloma patients with painful bone destructions.

BACKGROUND/AIM Radiotherapy is required to overcome pain and to promote recalcification in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the impact of one fraction of 8 Gy regimen in palliative treatment of MM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-six patients with MM and painful bone destructions were treated by 8 Gy single fraction regimen. The visual analog scale was used for evaluation of pain. Analgesic use was measured prior to and after radiotherapy (4, 12, and 24 weeks). Recalcification was evaluated with radiographs before and after radiotherapy at 1 and 3 months. Quality of life questionnaires were completed before and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS Decrease of pain was observed in 78.3% cases: according to the international consensus on palliative radiotherapy criteria, 43.5% were found to be completely and 34.8% partially responsive. Reduction of analgesic use was present in 68.4% and complete cessation in 31.6%. Recalcification was present in 55%: a complete response was observed in 35% and a partial response in 20%. The side effects after treatment were of the first grade and reversible. CONCLUSION One fraction of 8 Gy regimen is effective in palliative treatment of MM patients with painful bone destructions.