Strontium-89 Therapy
Targeted Treatment to Help Relieve Bone Pain
Strontium-89 is used to help relieve pain when cancer has spread to the bones. After it is injected into your bloodstream, Strontium-89 naturally collects in areas of increased activity in the bones. It delivers radiation to those areas to help reduce inflammation and pain. It may be used to manage bone pain while you continue other cancer treatments.
| Main purpose | Relieve pain from cancer in the bones |
|---|---|
| How is it given? | IV injection |
| Injection time | A few minutes |
| Total visit time | About 30 to 60 minutes |
| How often? | Usually one treatment |
| When might I feel relief? | Often within 7 – 20 days |
| Can I go home? | Yes |
Usually a Single Injection
Strontium-89 is usually given as a single injection. If pain returns or continues, your doctor may consider another dose after several months. Your care team will monitor your symptoms and blood counts to determine the timing of any additional treatment.
After Strontium-89
Your care team will give you written instructions specific to your treatment. Follow those instructions for the duration of each precaution and call if anything is unclear.
For 2 Weeks
- Sit when using the toilet and flush twice.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wear gloves and a gown when cleaning bodily waste.
- Wash soiled clothing or sheets promptly and separately.
- Clean and cover any cuts that bleed.
Follow-Up
Your treatment guide calls for a blood test every other week after treatment. Follow the monitoring schedule given by your care team.
For the First 3 Days
Show these treatment instructions to any physician or other healthcare provider you visit, or to appropriate authorities such as law enforcement, as needed.
Pregnancy and Nursing
- If you are sexually active, discuss ways to prevent pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
- Strontium-89 may cause fetal harm.
- Patients who are nursing should stop before treatment.
- Male patients should wait 6 months after treatment before attempting insemination.
Work and School
You may return to work or school, but continue the required hygiene precautions.
What to Watch For
- You may feel flushed, with red or warm skin, immediately after the injection.
- A small number of patients in clinical studies had a mild, brief increase in bone pain 36 to 72 hours after injection. Tell your care team if your pain increases.
Tell your healthcare provider promptly about new, worsening or unusual symptoms or side effects.
Questions About Your Treatment?
Have a question about your treatment, your appointment or your instructions at home? Call the New Mexico Cancer Center Radiation Oncology Department.