Strontium-89: a novel treatment for a case of osteosclerotic myeloma associated with life-threatening neuropathy

Br J Haematol. 2002 Sep;118(3):821-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03692.x.

Abstract

Osteosclerotic myeloma is a rare disorder characterized by paraproteinaemia and osteosclerosis, and may be associated with a progressive peripheral neuropathy. Patients with widespread osteosclerotic lesions can succumb from neurological complications despite systemic chemotherapy. We present a case of disseminated osteosclerotic myeloma associated with POEMS (peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M band, skin changes) syndrome, which was complicated by a rapidly progressive, life-threatening neuropathy. The patient's symptoms remained unchanged in the face of combination chemotherapy. However, a substantial improvement was seen following outpatient treatment with the commonly available radioisotope strontium 89 in combination with steroids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / radiotherapy*
  • Osteosclerosis / radiotherapy*
  • POEMS Syndrome / radiotherapy*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / therapeutic use*
  • Strontium Radioisotopes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Strontium Radioisotopes
  • Prednisolone