Strontium-89 is a beta emitting
radioisotope, avidly taken up by osteoblastic metastatic
prostatic cancer. In both open and controlled studies, it has been shown to palliate metastatic
pain effectively. It is as effective as conventional
radiotherapy in palliation of the primary site(s) of
pain, but in addition, it seems to delay
pain progression. Its role is confined to palliation of
pain in the absence of actual or impending complications (cord compression or
pathological fractures). Bone marrow suppression makes it unsuitable for myelosuppressed patients. Cost is the main limitation to its use. It is a useful alternative to hemibody
radiotherapy and to local treatment in selected patients. Its use in other tumour types (especially
breast cancer) is currently under investigation. Trials investigating its use to delay onset of
pain in symptom free relapsing patients should be considered.