Products
Strontium-89 was commercially available as an injectable (Metastron). It is no longer available.
Structure and properties
The strontium isotope strontium-89 is present in drugs as strontium chloride.
Effects
Strontium-89 (ATC V10BX01) has analgesic properties. It behaves similarly to calcium in the body and is predominantly accumulated in active bone tissue. It is a beta emitter with a half-life of about 50 days. The range of radiation in tissue is 8 mm.
Indications
As a second-line agent for palliative treatment of bone pain caused by metastases from prostate cancer.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as a slow intravenous injection.
Contraindications
Strontium-89 is contraindicated in hypersensitivity, as a primary treatment for spinal cord compression caused by spinal metastases, and in severe and irreversible renal insufficiency. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Calcium should not be administered concomitantly. Calcium treatment should be discontinued two weeks prior to initiation of therapy.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include bone marrow depression with thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, flushing, and injection site reactions.
