Projects of the Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology to promote palliative radiotherapy

Abstract

Radiotherapy comprises of curative and palliative treatments. Palliative radiotherapy is an effective treatment method for reducing various symptoms caused by cancer lesions and improving quality of life. All cancer symptoms are indicated for radiotherapy, especially painful bone metastases, metastatic spinal cord compression, tumor hemorrhage, airway narrowing, and brain metastases. Furthermore, radiotherapy should be considered for painful bone metastases, regardless of the STEP of drug therapy. Palliative irradiation is not widely used in Japan; therefore, it is necessary to promote and educate the public about the benefits of palliative radiotherapy. In 2019, the JASTRO established the Palliative Radiotherapy Committee to promote and educate the public and patients regarding palliative irradiation. To promote palliative irradiation, it is necessary to: 1) collaborate with medical institutions in the region regarding the diagnosis and treatment of bone metastases, 2) collaborate with multiple disciplines within the hospital, and 3) educate the public on palliative radiotherapy. Furthermore, we have introduced activities to promote palliative irradiation.