European journal of nuclear medicine
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We have used strontium-89 chloride (89Sr) for the palliative treatment of metastatic bone pain. Seventy-six patients (50 males with prostate carcinoma and 26 females with breast cancer) were treated with 148 MBq of 89Sr. Sixteen patients were retreated, receiving two or three doses; the total number of injected doses was consequently 95. ⋯ A decrease in the initial leucocyte and platelet counts was observed after the 1st month of treatment, with a gradual partial to complete recovery within 6 months. It is concluded that 89Sr is an effective agent in palliative therapy for metastatic bone pain in patients with prostate or breast carcinoma. If required, retreatment can be administered safely and with the same efficacy as is achieved by the first dose.