Strontium-89 for Bone Pain Palliation (Metastron)

What is Metastron?

Metastron is an injection containing a small amount of radioactive strontium-89 chloride, which may relieve the bone pain caused by your illness. It has similar chemical properties to calcium and localises selectively in bone, especially in bone cells that are rapidly dividing (such as areas with bone metastases that are causing the pain). It remains in bones for several weeks providing pain relief. The radiation emitted is almost all absorbed within this area, thus maximizing its efficacy.

Why has Metastron been prescribed for me?

It will provide the most suitable means of treating the bone pain you are experiencing.

What effect will Metastron have ?

Initially you will experience no effect at all. During the first 2 or 3 days following injection, you may feel a slight increase in pain. This is normal, and may require increased numbers of pain killers during this time. After some two weeks, or maybe a little longer, the pain should lessen. The pain reduction should continue for several months.

Are there any side effects?

You will not expect to notice any .You can eat and drink normally, and may drink alcohol unless you have already been advised not to do so. Your blood count may decrease slightly, thus your doctor may wish to check this.

Should I stop taking the pain killer drugs ?

Your doctor may advise you to continue with these until the pain starts to subside, then to reduce the dose gradually, until you hopefully manage without any at all. If you are in any doubt, consult your doctor.

What about other treatment?

Your doctor will advise you if any other treatment is appropriate.

What activities can I undertake?

You may continue to do anything which you are already doing. As the Metastron reduces the pain, you may be able to increase these activities, which would have been restricted due to the amount of pain. Do not try to overdo these activities.

What precautions should I take?

The effects of the Metastron are limited to the area in which it is concentrated, thus it cannot cause any harm to other people. One note of caution ö during the first week there will be Metastron in your blood stream, and in urine, thus the following common sense precautions should be observed during this time

• Where a normal toilet is available it should be used in preference to a urinal. The toilet should be flushed twice after use.
• Any spilled urine should be wiped up with a tissue, which should then be flushed away.
• Ensure that you always wash your hands after using the toilet.
• Immediately wash any linen or clothes which become stained with urine. Wash them separately from other clothes, and rinse thoroughly. A washing machine serves this purpose very well.
• If you should cut yourself wash away any spilled blood.
• If you use any urine collection device, take advice on its use from your doctor.

What happens if my pain returns?

In most people who receive Metastron, the effect lasts for several months at least. If the pain returns, consult you doctor who may wish to give you a further treatment with Metastron if this is appropriate.