Results of 89 Strontium Therapy in Patients with Carcinoma of the Prostate and Incurable Pain from Bone Metastases: A Preliminary Report

Abstract
The therapeutic application of 89Sr for the relief of pain in 11 cases of carcinoma of the prostate with skeletal metastases is reported. A significant clinical improvement could be observed in 8 of the 11 patients, with generalized osseous metastases of prostatic carcinoma after the application of 30 .mu.Ci 89Sr/kg. The effect was long lasting. An increase of alkaline phosphatase was observed, which was interpreted as an indication of the reactivation of osteoblasts and osteoid peripheral zones owing to .beta.-emission of the radioisotope in the affected areas. The indications for such therapy are discussed.