Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam

Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam is a radiopharmaceutical used in the treatment of pain associated with osteoblastic metastatic bone lesions. It is a type of radiopharmaceutical therapy that uses radioactive isotopes to treat certain medical conditions.

Overview

Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam, also known as Samarium-153 EDTMP, is a complex of a radioisotope of samarium and a chelating agent called EDTMP (ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate). The samarium isotope used is Samarium-153, a beta emitter with a half-life of 46.3 hours. The EDTMP chelates the samarium and helps to direct it to areas of high bone turnover, such as metastatic bone lesions.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam involves the emission of beta particles that cause the death of cancer cells. The drug is administered intravenously and is quickly taken up by the bones. The beta particles emitted by the samarium isotope have a short range, which limits the damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Clinical Use

Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam is used in the palliative treatment of bone pain in patients with osteoblastic metastatic bone lesions. It is often used in patients with prostate cancer, breast cancer, and other types of cancer that have spread to the bones. The drug can provide significant pain relief for many patients, often within a week of administration.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Samarium (153Sm) lexidronam include bone marrow suppression, which can lead to low blood cell counts. Other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Patients are monitored closely for these side effects during treatment.

See Also

• Radiopharmaceutical therapy
• Radioisotope
• Metastatic bone disease