Factors Influencing the Use of Single vs Multiple Fractions of Palliative Radiotherapy for Bone Metastases: A 5-Year Review

One-third of palliative radiotherapy courses for bone metastases in our programme were given as single fractions. Performance status, age and anatomical site were significant factors affecting single compared with multiple fractionation. The variation in the use of single fractions over time may reflect the dynamic process of interpretation and application of evidence from clinical trials to practice.