What condition is 89Sr-chloride primarily used to treat?

Strontium-89 chloride is primarily utilized in the treatment of bone pain, particularly that which is caused by metastatic bone cancer. This radioisotope emits beta particles, which target bone tissue and help alleviate pain associated with skeletal metastases. When injected into a patient's bloodstream, Strontium-89 is preferentially taken up by areas of increased bone turnover, such as those affected by malignant processes, allowing for localized radiotherapy that effectively reduces pain levels in individuals suffering from cancer that has spread to the bone.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary use of Strontium-89 chloride. Rheumatoid arthritis involves systemic inflammation and is typically treated with non-radiative methods such as medications, not radiotherapy. Malignant effusions refer to fluid accumulation related to cancer and are generally treated with drainage or chemotherapy rather than with a bone-targeting radioactive agent. Polycythemia vera, a condition characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, does not involve bone pain as a primary symptom, and its treatment focuses on managing blood counts rather than addressing bone-related issues. Thus, Strontium-89’s specific action on bone tissue makes it particularly suited for the treatment of bone pain, solidifying its indication in oncology practices