THE VALUE OF STRONTIUM 85 BONE SCANNING IN RADIATION THERAPY

¹ From the Division of Radiology (Radiation Therapy & Nuclear Medicine), Albert Einstein Medical Center, Northern Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metastasis to bone is a frequent source of pain in patients with cancer, and the response to radiation therapy is often very gratifying. This is especially true if the primary site is the breast, where rapid, complete relief can be obtained in at least 80 per cent of the patients. To obtain maximum benefit, the radiation therapy must be delivered to the exact site which is producing the symptoms. Scanning with strontium 85 has been extremely helpful in obtaining this information. Our experience indicates the usefulness of scanning the skeletal system with strontium 85 in patients suspected of having metastatic bone disease in the following situations:

1. To check the adequacy of treatment portals.

2. To determine whether the disease is localized or generalized in order that appropriate systemic therapy can be given if needed.

3. To locate areas requiring therapy.

4. To locate a suitable site for bone biopsy in order that a histologic diagnosis can be established.

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