Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases with radium-223 dichloride.

Radium-223 dichloride (Ra-223) is the first α-particle emitting radiopharmaceutical to be approved for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and associated bone metastases, and the first bone-targeting agent to significantly improve patient overall survival whilst reducing pain and the symptomatic skeletal events (SSEs) associated with bone metastases. Ra-223 exhibits a favourable safety profile, with low myelosuppression rates and fewer adverse events than placebo. Compared with other approved radiopharmaceuticals, the α-particle emitting Ra-223 has a high biological efficiency and a short penetration range, potentially sparing bone marrow toxicity and limiting unwanted exposure.