[Radiotherapy of bone metastases].

Bone metastases represent an advanced stage of tumour disease. The incidence rate and the affiction of the individual segments of the skeleton is different for the individual organ tumours; likewise, the metastases may be of an osteolytic, osteoblastic or mixed nature. In most of the cases, multiple metastasising has occurred. Radiotherapy occupies a position of central importance. It is the aim of the treatment to prevent or (by remineralisation) relieve fracture-conditioned immobilisation; the first consideration, however, is the alleviation of pain caused by the metastases. Attention is drawn to the possibilities of surgical orthopaedic measures and of hormonal and chemotherapy.