title: [Use of strontium-89 in the analgesic treatment of bone metastases].
abstract: The analgesic properties of 89Sr were investigated in 17 patients with multiple painful bone metastases. 89Sr is a radioisotope, the metabolism of which in the body is comparable to that of calcium. It is a pure beta emitter and its half-life is 51 days. When injected intravenously it is captured by bone, especially at locations where the turnover is increased. Each patient received 1--2 mCi of 89Sr. Bone scans and hematological investigations were performed before, and 2 months after, treatment. No significant changes were found. Shealy's method was used to assess pain, initially twice a week and then at more prolonged intervals. One patient suffering from multiple myeloma showed a spectacular improvement and 6 others responded favourably. Improvement generally occurred within 3--7 days, but was sometimes delayed for up to 3 weeks. Relief lasted for up to several months. Five patients had an increase of pain during the 24 hours immediately after treatment. An average of 28% of the administered radioactive dose was found in the urine collections during the first 48 hours. Although the treatment was not successful in every case, the use of 89Sr as a long acting analgesic in multiple bone metastases should be considered more frequently, especially as there are no side effects.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes
vernacular_title: Emploi du strontium-89 dans le traitement antalgique des métastases osseuses.