Bone metastases present a frequent problem in oncology. Although fractionated irradiation with 10–15 (20) fractions is the best mode of radiotherapy, low-dose short-term irradiation schedules are of interest as they will reduce inconveniences like transportation problems. In two consecutive prospective follow-up studies patients with painful non-vertebral bone metastases were irradiated with a single shot (4 Gy) treatment or four fractions with 4 Gy. Response rates and duration of response are significantly better with the 4×4 Gy schedule. From these data and recently published data a more individualised pain management is propos