[Radionuclide diagnosis and therapy of skeletal metastases of prostatic cancer]

Abstract

Bone imaging with Tc-99m labelled phosphate compounds is a very sensitive but less specific method for detection of bone metastases, the lack of false-negative findings in prostatic cancer is of additional value. Preoperative bone scans should be obtained from all patients with prostatic cancer, the frequency of controls depends on the tumor stage and on the individual course of the illness. Serial bone scintigraphy is able to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Normalisation of the bone scan is synonymous with good response, the occurrence of new bone metastases indicates failure of treatment. Relief of pain is obtained in some patients after application of P-32 or Sr-89, intense uptake in the metastases is necessary but does not guarantee successful treatment.