Radioactive phosphorus therapy This page tells you about
radiotherapy treatment with radioactive phosphorus. There is
information about 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. 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