Phosphorous-32 (P-32) is a radioactive isotope of phosphorus that is rarely used to treat MPNs to control blood counts. It is delivered intravenously (IV). As a radiopharmaceutical, P-32 accumulates in cells that are dividing and can be used to deliver radiation to cancerous tissues in the bone marrow, killing these cells by interfering with the cellular DNA.
P-32 can be used at varying doses and can be a highly effective treatment for MPNs, inducing long-term remissions in some patients. However, because it can damage DNA, P-32 treatment is thought to increase the risk of leukemic transformation and for this reason is usually reserved for treating older patients only under special circumstances.
P-32 is most often used in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who are unresponsive or intolerant of other therapies (e.g., hydroxyurea, interferon, ruxolitinib) and/or phlebotomy.
Side Effects
Common side effects:
- Decreased blood counts
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
Additional Information: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/sodium-phosphate-p32-side-effects.html