Radioactive phosphorus therapy

Radioactive phosphorus is a radioactive form of the element phosphorus. It can be used as a treatment for some blood disorders, including one called polycythaemia rubra vera (PCRV). Polycythaemia rubra vera means that your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. You may make too many platelets and white blood cells too.

Radioactive phosphorus is absorbed by the bone marrow and gives a dose of radiation, which stops it making excess cells. Very little radiation is given to the rest of the body. This treatment is not commonly used because other types of treatment are available. It may be used if you have had PCRV for some time. Or if you are older.

You have radioactive phosphorous as an injection in the outpatient department. You can go home straight after the treatment.

There aren't usually any side effects. After the injection you will be temporarily radioactive but this is not harmful to you. It is not a hazard to anyone else because it is such a small dose and the radioactivity has such a short range. Treatment with radioactive phosphorus over many years can cause leukaemia.

Your medical physicist or radiotherapist will be able to explain the treatment to you in more detail if you would like. Don't forget to look at our thyroid cancer reading list and the thyroid cancer organisations page for more sources of information.