Phosphorus-32 for Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia is a condition where there are too many red blood cells in the blood. One treatment option is an injection of P-32 which inhibits the bone marrow’s production of red blood cells. The procedure is very straightforward and involves a small injection into a suitable vein, usually in the arm or hand. You will be able to go home straight away if you are an out-patient. The treatment takes effect over a few weeks and the effect of one injection is long lasting, usually up to a year.

Low white blood cell and platelet counts tend to be observed at 4-6 weeks post-therapy, but the counts usually return to normal after four months.