Twenty-two patients with rib metastases or involvement of the ribs by multiple myeloma underwent infiltration of the tender areas with methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrone) under intercostal block by a previously described technique.1 Of 20 assessable patients, 11 became painfree in under 10 days with recurrence of pain in only one, and in three the pain was considerably improved. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications. This technique offers an alternative to irradiation in certain situations.
Twycross RG, Lack SASymptom control in far advanced cancer: pain relief. London . Pitman, 1983.
2.
Tong D., Gillick L., Hendrickson FRThe palliation of symptomatic osseous metastases: final results of the study by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. Cancer1982; 50: 893-99.
3.
Vargha ZO, Glicksman AS, Boland J.Single dose radiation therapy in the palliation of metastatic disease . Radiology1969; 93: 1181-84.
