['In the prospectively, randomized Dutch Bone Metastasis Study on the effect of a single fraction of 8 Gy versus 24 Gy in six fractions on painful bone metastases, 28% of the patients survived for more than 1 year. Purpose of the present study was to analyze the palliative effect of radiotherapy in long-term surviving patients, and to identify prognostic factors for survival.', 'Response rates were compared in all patients surviving>52 weeks. The Cox proportional hazards model stratified by primary tumour was used for multivariate (MV) analyses of prognostic factors for survival.', 'In 320 patients surviving>52 weeks, responses were 87% after 8 Gy and 85% after 24 Gy (P=0.54). Duration of response and progression rates were similar. For all primary tumours, prognostic factors for survival were a good Karnofsky Performance Score, no visceral metastases, and non-opioid analgesics intake (all factors, MV P<0.001).'] Are patients with a favourable prognosis equally palliated with single and multiple fraction radiotherapy : results on survival in the Dutch Bone Metastasis Study?