[Nuclear medicine therapy of bone metastases]

The osteotropic radionuclides 89Sr and 32P are now mainly used in the treatment of bone metastases. This therapy is palliative and is mainly directed at alleviating pain. The indications, procedure, treatment result and side effects are described as discussed. Bone metastases of iodinophilous thyroid carcinomas represent a special case. These can be treated selectively with 131I. However, complete regression of the tumour by means of radioactive iodine is only rarely achieved in bone metastases. Nevertheless, the complaints and symptoms are definitely alleviated even with relatively small radiation doses, similar to the therapy employing strontium.