(32)P in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders.
(32)P has been available for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) for over seventy years. It was first used in 1938 by John H Lawrence in the treatment of polycythaemia and chronic leukaemias. With the introduction of agents such as hydroxycarbamide, interferon and anagrelide the role of (32)P has been diminished. Today, Polycythaemia Rubra Vera (PRV) and Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET) remain the only myeloproliferative conditions in which (32)P is indicated.


METHODS
We carried out a retrospective review of all patients who had received 32P in Northern Ireland over a 24 year period. The time to successful response, duration of response, and associated complications were reviewed.


RESULTS
(32)P was successful in inducing remission in 90% of patients. This remission was sustained following one dose without the need for further therapy in 37% of cases. 47% required repeated doses. 26% required recommencement of alternative therapies. No cases of thrombosis, myelofibrosis or acute leukaemia were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that (32)P is a well-tolerated and efficacious treatment option in the elderly. We discuss our results compared with previous work in this area. (32)P will continue to be offered to elderly patients in our practice.
Department of Haematology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast N. Ireland.
Sarah
S
Lawless
Department of Haematology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast N. Ireland; Queen's University Belfast, N. Ireland; Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland.
Mary Frances
MF
McMullin
Department of Haematology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast N. Ireland.
Robert
R
Cuthbert
Department of Haematology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast N. Ireland; Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland.
Russell
R
Houston
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D009196:Myeloproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D010761:Phosphorus Radioisotopes
Essential Thrombocythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Radioactive phosphorous