The aim of this explorative trial is to verify the comparability of a fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy with a conventional radiotherapy related to quality of life on the one hand and to evaluate toxicity, re-calcification and stability of vertebral body as well as pain relief and local response for palliative patients with painful spinal bone metastases on the other hand. This is a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial with parallel-group design to determine the quality of life after RT in patients with spinal bone metastases. Two different techniques were evaluated: intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and fractionated conventional external beam RT with 10×3 Gy each.

Experimental intervention:

IMRT 10 x 3 Gy

Control intervention:

3D-RT 10 x 3 Gy

The aim of this explorative trial is to verify the comparability of a fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy with a conventional radiotherapy related to quality of life on the one hand and to evaluate toxicity, re-calcification and stability of vertebral body as well as pain relief and local response for palliative patients with painful spinal bone metastases on the other hand. This is a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial with parallel-group design to determine the quality of life after RT in patients with spinal bone metastases. Two different techniques were evaluated: intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and fractionated conventional external beam RT with 10×3 Gy each.

Experimental intervention:

IMRT 10 x 3 Gy

Control intervention:

3D-RT 10 x 3 Gy After the baseline measurements have been recorded, the patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups: IMRT 10×3 Gy (n = 30) or fractionated conventional 3D-RT 10×3 Gy (n = 30). The RT will be applied daily (mondy to Friday).

Follow-up per patient:

The target parameters will be measured and recorded at baseline, at the end of RT (t1), and at 12 weeks (t2) and 6 months (t3) after the end of the irradiation period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a histologically confirmed tumor diagnosis and with secondary diagnosed solitary/multiple spinal bone metastases
• Indication for RT of the spinal bone metastases
• Age of between 18 and 85 years
• Karnofsky index of at least 50
• Signed declaration of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lymphoma
• Significant neurological or psychiatric disorders, including dementia and epileptic seizures
• Previous RT at the current irradiation site
• Other severe disorders that in the judgment of the study director may prevent the patient's participation in the study
• Lacking or diminished legal capacity
• Any medical of psychological condition that the study director considers a preventive factor for the patient's ability to complete the study or to adequately understand the scope of the study and to give his or her consent.