SAMARIUM-153-EDTMP FOR PALLIATION OF ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS, PAGETS-DISEASE AND RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Samarium-153-EDTMP is an effective agent for palliation of widespread skeletal metastases because it concentrates in bone metastases which h ave an osteoblastic component. Similar concentration in areas of osteo blastic activity in ankylosing spondylitis, Paget's disease and rheuma toid arthritis suggests a possible new treatment approach. Three patie nts with ankylosing spondylitis, one patient with Paget's disease and one patient with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with Sm-153-EDTMP. Objective and subjective improvement was noted, especially in ankylosi ng spondylitis patients. Samarium-153-EDTMP has disease-modifying pote ntial in ankylosing spondylitis and Paget's disease and has palliative value in resistant rheumatoid arthritis. Further trials to determine optimal dose, treatment scheduling, long-term disease-modifying potent ial and toxicity are needed.