Palliative Radiation Therapy Defining Principles: A Real-World Study

Objective & Aim: Palliative radiation therapy's primary objective is to lessen patients' discomfort. However, when a patient's overall condition rapidly deteriorates, they may not benefit from this treatment at all. This prospective, monocentric study evaluated how well palliative radiation was administered. Methods: All consecutive patients getting palliative radiation at our hospital between March 1, 2025, and August 31, 2025 were included. The successful administration of palliative radiation in accordance with the original prescription (total dose, overall treatment period, and fractionation) was the main outcome. The number of treatment breaks, the clinical benefit, the number of deaths, and the length of time it took to be admitted to the palliative care unit were the secondary objectives. Results: A total of fifty-nine patients and sixty-four treatments were examined. The brain (21.9%) and bone (70.3%) were the therapy locations. Pain control alone (43.8%), decompression alone (21.9%), pain control with decompression (32.8%), and hemostatic aim (1.6%) were the therapy objectives. In 57 cases (89%), palliative therapy was successful. Six cases (9.4%), three for medical reasons and three for logistical reasons, required a temporary halt to the radiation treatment. Worsening performance status was the primary cause of the permanent disruption (seven cases). In 44 cases (68.8%), palliation of symptoms (full or partial responses) was achieved. In the month following the conclusion of treatment, seven patients (11.9%) passed away. There were no instances of admission delays or cancellations in the palliative care unit. Conclusion: In 51 cases (79.9%), palliative radiation was finished as intended, and in 44 cases (68.8%), there was a therapeutic benefit. When it comes to palliative care, radiation therapy should not be disregarded.