Injection of Alcohol into Bone Metastases under CT Guidance

Abstract

Objective Percutaneous injection of ethanol was evaluated in terminally ill cancer patients with painful osteolytic bone metastases treated previously without success by radiation or chemotherapy and conventional pain therapy. Methods and Materials Twenty-five patients with 27 bone metastases in various locations underwent one to three instillations of 3–25 ml ethanol (95%) under CT guidance, which allowed precise needle positioning and control of the diffusion of alcohol thus minimizing the complications. Results Within 24 to 48 h 74% of the cases experienced a reduction of analgesic needs. Conclusion Percutaneous ethanol injection under CT guidance is useful in reducing pain and in improving the quality of life of patients with advanced stages of cancer and painful bone metastases.