Radium Therapy — Flight Included

Radium-223 is a kind of internal radiotherapy to treat metastases in the bones caused by prostate cancer. Xofigo is a brand name that produces -223.

Xofigo mechanism of action is the following: -223 affects bone cancer cells. This radioactive agent is similar to calcium, so it is absorbed by bones. As a result, cancer cells, located in the bones, are directly destroyed by -223 (Xofigo) radiation.

1. A patient arrives to a hospital, undergoes diagnostic procedure to determine a dose of Xofigo injections.
2. The medical center orders -223 (Xofigo). The delivery of the drug takes about 1 week. The therapy starts.
3. Radium-223 (Xofigo) is a radioactive agent administered intravenously. A doctor puts a thin cannula in the vein during a treatment session. It takes about 1 minute.

The Xofigo injection is repeated every 4 weeks. The maximum number of injections is 6. The procedure is outpatient — you leave the hospital immediately after the injection. A patient can stay in the country for this period or to return home after injection.

To control a patient's health condition, blood tests are required between treatment sessions.

Radium-223 (Xofigo) injection is indicated in case:

• when surgical or hormonal treatments are ineffective for prostate cancer no longer
• cancer (metastases) has spread to the bones but not other parts of the body
• a patient has not been treated by Abiraterone (a hormonal therapy drug). The following treatment with -223, in this case, increases the risk of bone fractures.

Among the contraindications to -223 (Xofigo) for prostate cancer treatment may be:

Only a doctor can determine whether -223 (Xofigo) is adequate prostate cancer treatment in your case and estimate possible risks.

Radium-223 (Xofigo) may cause such side effects:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• swelling in the extremities
• vomiting
• reduced blood cells counts
• pain in bones.

In most of the cases, side effects are mild. But do not hesitate to tell your doctor if some of them occur.

A doctor will give you recommendations specific for your case, however there some universal advice:

• drink a lot of water for a few days after treatment to speed up radiation withdrawing from your body
• wash the hands carefully every time you visit a toilet
• wash your underwear separately to avoid radiation spread.

You need to follow this advice for several days during the treatment with -223.

Radium-223 (Xofigo) cost is considered quite high compared to prostatectomy, HIFU, or brachytherapy prices, for instance.

However, -223 is the only treatment option that can prolong a patient's life in case of prostate cancer stage 4 with metastases in the bones.

The cost of -223 (Xofigo) is pointed for an injection. Only a doctor can determine how many doses a patient needs after diagnostic procedures.

Compare the prices for -223 (Xofigo) in the hospitals listed on this page.

You can always get a personalized quote by filling out a form on Bookimed. This option is free.