The Use of P 32 in the Treatment of Severe Pain From Bone Metastases of Carcinoma of the Prostate 1

SUMMARY Nine cases of carcinoma of the prostate with severe pain from bone metastases are reported together with the results of their treatment with a combination of testosterone and P 32 . Two patients were terminal at the time of treatment (Cases 3 and 5), the former dying just after completion of the treatment and the latter a month after treatment. Both, however, had considerable relief of pain. Three patients (Cases 1, 2 and 6) had total relief of pain, subsequently dying of their disease between four and six months later. One case (Case 8) showed no response to P 32 therapy and died at three months. Of the remaining three cases, two had 90 per cent. relief (Case 4 for five months with the aid of two courses of treatment and Case 9 for seven months). Case 7 had 50 per cent, relief for two months. The literature is reviewed and the results compared with other therapeutic measures. It is concluded that P 32 therapy may result in the total or marked relief of the pain from bone metastases from carcinoma of the prostate for a period of months and more extensive trials are indicated. Attention is drawn to the necessity for close observation of the blood picture in the early weeks following P 32 therapy. My thanks are due to Mr T. W. Mimpriss for permission to treat eight of his cases and for his encouragement and advice. I also thank Mr Murray Pheils for his permission to treat Case 4.