How effective is radiotherapy for bone cancer?

Radiotherapy directs radiation at a bone tumour or an area where cancer has spread to bone. It may be used before surgery, after surgery, as part of treatment for a primary bone cancer, or to ease pain and protect function when cure is not the immediate aim.

Some bone cancers respond better to radiation than others. The team considers the tumour’s type and position, nearby nerves and organs, the strength of the bone, and whether an operation or medicine is also needed. Pain relief may take time and is not the only sign used to assess control.

Tell the team where pain limits movement and whether you use walking aids. Ask whether the affected bone needs protection from lifting, falls or weight-bearing, and follow advice from the oncology and orthopaedic teams.

Keep scheduled reviews for imaging and examination. Report new pain rather than increasing activity through it; pain can signal a fracture risk or another treatment issue that needs assessment.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe bone pain, a new inability to stand or use a limb, a limb that looks deformed, new weakness or numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Contact the treatment team for worsening pain, fever, or skin changes in the treated area.

Is my cancer a primary bone cancer or cancer that has spread to bone? What is radiotherapy intended to achieve? How will the bone be protected? Could surgery or medicine be needed? When should pain improve? What new weakness, numbness or movement change needs urgent review?