Evaluating the safety of re-treatment with radium-223

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of radium-223 (Xofigo, formerly known as Alpharadin) in patients with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to the bones and who have had this treatment previously. This study found that re-treatment with radium-223 was well tolerated and with good results.

Radium-223 is a treatment option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). CRPC is a form of prostate cancer where the cancer cannot be controlled by hormone therapy. This treatment involves 6 injections. It is a type of internal radiotherapy.  

The safety and effectiveness of re-treatment with radium-223 in patients with mCRPC spread to the bone are unknown.

This study included 34 patients. These patients had had radium-223 treatment previously. Re-treatment was done after 6 months from the first 6 injections. Chemotherapy was not taken during the course of treatment. They were followed up for 2 years.

No serious drug-related side effects were noted. 12% of patients reported severe side effects such as joint pain, spine compression, or muscle weakness. No new cancers were reported during the 2-year follow-up period.

Death or cancer progression occurred in 43% of the patients. Progression of cancer in the bone occurred in 11% of patients. The average overall survival was 24.4 months. The estimated 2-year overall survival rate was 50%.

This study found that re-treatment with radium-223 was well tolerated in patients with mCRPC spread to the bone.

This study had a very small number of participants and a short follow-up period. Larger studies are needed. Also, there was no comparison group. This study was funded by Bayer, the manufacturer of radium-223.