The effectivness of strontium 89 in palliative therapy of painful prostate cancer bone metastases

Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2003 Jun 30;5(3):364-8.

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectivness of strontium 89 (Metastron) therapy in the group of prostate cancer patients with multiple bone metastases. <br /> Material and methods. The study included 70 patients (aged 53-84) with prostate cancer and multiple bone painful metastases detected by scintigraphy and by radiogram character of metastases (osteoblastic - 55 patients, osteolytic-osteoblastic - 15 patients). Before strontium 89 therapy 34 out 70 patients have been performed local irradiation to the back bone as prevention of spinal cord compression. For assessment of therapy effectivness; pain relief (VAS scale), a reduction in analgesic requirements and motor activity (ECOG and Karnofsky scale) were evaluated. <br /> Results. We conclude that palliative therapy using strontium 89 is effective (88% "good" and "moderate" response rate) and safe for bone pain palliation in patients with multiple prostate cancer bone metastases; it also improves the quality of life. We have observed that the analgesic requirments decreased to 50% of dose on average. The motor activity of the points evaluated according to ECOG scale and Karnofsky scale was much better (p < 0,05).