Urologie pro praxi 3/2016

Systemic radiotherapy for prostate cancer with bone metastases

Castration-resistant prostate cancer is a complex disease, treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and use of various modalities, ideally in their combination. Symptomatic bone metastases can be also effectively managed by administration of systemic beta emitters (strontium-89 and samarium-153) or localized external beam radiotherapy. Most recently, an alpha emitter radium-223 has been introduced with a positive impact on increased overall survival of patients with bone metastases. Safety profile of radium-223 is very favorable with a minimal risk of serious hematologic complications. Six intravenous injections are administered on an outpatient basis with a positive effect on the quality of life and with minimal restrictions with regard to the patient’s and his family’s daily life.

Keywords: castration-resistant prostate cancer, systemic radiotherapy, radium-223.