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

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.