What is Xofigo used for?

Xofigo is a medication used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to your bone. It can help prevent symptoms caused by the cancer in your bones.

How does radium help treat cancer?

Radium targets bone cancer cells. This is because it is similar to calcium, which is also absorbed by bone cells. The cancer cells in the bone take up radium 223 and it then releases radiation which travels a very short distance. This means that the cancer cells receive a high dose of radiation which can destroy them.

What is Alsympca?

ALSYMPCA (ALpharadin in SYMPtomatic Prostate CAncer) is an international Phase III clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Radium-223 dichloride in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer and skeletal metastases.

What are the side effects of radium-223?

The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 10%) for patients taking Radium 223 Dichloride:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Swelling of the lower legs and hands [peripheral edema]
• Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelet counts may temporarily decrease.

How long does it take for Xofigo to work?

Xofigo is absorbed into your bones, and the radiation kills the cancer cells there. Xofigo comes as a liquid solution in single-dose vials. Your healthcare provider will administer this medication by injection into your vein. This takes about 1 minute.

How often is Xofigo given?

There is no pill form of Xofigo®. It is given in a clinic or facility where healthcare providers or technicians have been trained to give radiation therapy. It is given once every 4 weeks for a maximum of 6 doses.

How long does radium treatment take?

Each session is quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting, or burn when it enters the body. You will hear clicking or buzzing throughout the treatment and there may be a smell from the machine. Typically, people have treatment sessions 5 times per week, Monday through Friday.

Can radiotherapy cure cancer?

When used to treat cancer, radiation therapy can cure cancer, prevent it from returning, or stop or slow its growth. When treatments are used to ease symptoms, they are known as palliative treatments.

How long does radium 223 extend life?

Evidence sinthesis: According to the ALSYMPCA study, Radium 223 significantly prolongs the overall survival of patients with castration resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases; approximately 3.6 months in comparison with patients who received placebo, which turns into a median life expectancy of 14.9 months, and …

How much does radium 223 cost?

According to the drug manufacturer, 6 cycles of treatment with radium- 223 cost $69,000.16 For comparison, docetaxel (Taxotere) costs approximately $14,500 for a course of 10 cycles plus ancillary costs; enzalutamide costs approximately $60,000 for 8 months of treatment; and a treatment course of sipuleucel-T costs …

How successful is radium-223?

Results. Median overall survival was 14.9 months for the men assigned to receive radium-223 and 11.3 months for those assigned to the placebo.

How long does radium-223 extend life?