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Therapy of bone metastases (Radium-223)

Bone metastases are a symptomatically very relevant part of malignant disease. It has been repeatedly proven that patients with advanced bone tumours or metastases have a higher incidence of fractures, nerve complications or severe immobilizing pain. Bone-related events (SRE) are limiting for patients, especially in tumors such as prostate cancer.

Overview

Radium-223 was approved in Switzerland in 2014 with the help of the University Hospital Zurich. Ra-223 is an analog of calcium and is deposited in active bone metastases. Due to the high and pinpoint irradiation of radium-223, all bone metastases in the body are treated with a high level of local irradiation. Since radium-223 is a so-called alpha emitter, only about 10 cell diameters are treated locally. The indication is the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases without known visceral metastases if chemotherapy is not indicated or in case of progression after docetaxel.

Procedure

Radium 223 therapy procedure for prostate carcinoma

Indications for radium-223 therapy

General indication
Contraindication
Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases without known visceral metastases if chemotherapy is not indicated or in case of progression after docetaxel. Hb < 10g/dl, Tc < 100'000 /ul, ANC < 1'500 ug/l

Further reading

Responsible doctors

Portrait Ivette Engel-Bicik

Ivette Engel-Bicik, Dr. med.

Attending Physician with extended responsibilites, Department of Nuclear Medicine

Tel. +41 44 255 35 55
Specialties: Thyroid diseases incl. Therapy, Radionuclide therapies (SIRT, PRRT, Xofigo)

For patients

As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please get a referral from your primary care physician, specialist.

Tel. +41 44 255 35 55
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For referrer

Simply assign your patient via registration form.

Tel. +41 44 255 35 55
Mail nuklearmedizin@usz.ch
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Responsible Department

Department of Nuclear Medicine