A Population-Based Study of Palliative Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastases in Patients Dying of Prostate Cancer

ConclusionsPRTB is only used in a minority of patients dying of PCa. The majority who die of PCa after PRTB do so within a year of their first course. The use of multifractionation was common in the last 4 weeks of life. Survival after first PRTB increased minimally over time, and additional research is required to identify its association with recent changes in practice. The referral rate and PRTB utilization rate differ between rural and nonrural locations, underlying the importance of accessibility and referral for utilization of PRTB. Investigating other barriers and ensuring equitable access to radiation are needed.
Source: Practical Radiation Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research