Radium 223-dichloride as a treatment for castration resistant prostate cancer

This study investigated how effective and safe radium 223 dichloride treatment was in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). It was concluded that radium 223 dichloride increased overall survival, reduced symptomatic skeletal events risk and was safe. 

Treatment to decrease the male hormones, such as testosterone, is often used in prostate cancer. Over time, patients may become resistant to this type of treatment. This is known as castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).The bones are a common site for prostate cancer metastasis (spread).

Radium 223 dichloride is a treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to the bones and is producing pain and other symptoms in the bones. It is not clear whether the effectiveness of radium 223 dichloride depends on the level of pain symptoms experienced.

921 men with CRPC that had spread to the bone were involved in this study. 44% of these were not using opioids (non-opioid group) and 56% were using opioids for pain management (opioid group). Men who were treated received radium 223-dichloride every 4 weeks for 6 cycles. The men who were not treated were given a placebo (treatment that has no effect).

Patients in the non-opioid and opioid groups treated with radium 223-dichloride had increased overall survival (the time from treatment to death) when compared to those given placebo. There was a 30% increase in overall survival in the non-opioid group and a 32% increase in the opioid group.

The risk of symptomatic skeletal events was also reduced by 44% in the opioid group and 28% in the non-opioid group compared to placebo. 

This study concluded that radium 223 increases overall survival and reduces symptomatic skeletal events risk when compared to placebo. It is safe in CRPC that has spread to the bones, regardless of opioid use. 

Consult your physician about radium 223 dichloride therapy for CRPC that has spread to the bones.