32P-pyrophosphate in the treatment of persistent metastatic bone pain

Eight patients with persistent pain due to disseminated bone metastases from mammary carcinoma were given about 370 MBq (10 mCi) of 32P-pyrophosphate on 10 occasions. All but one of the patients experienced alleviation of pain lasting 1 to 4 months. The side effects, which derived mainly from haematopoetic tissue, prevent the routine use of this compound.