Radium-223 Within the Evolving Treatment Options for Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Recommendations from a European Expert Working Group

Several ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel therapies and combinations of existing therapies for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. One such trial, ERA 223, has shown that the combination of abiraterone plus radium-223 did not improve symptomatic skeletal event-free survival compared with abiraterone plus placebo. Furthermore, an increase in bone fractures was observed with the combination of abiraterone and radium-223 in the study, particularly in patients not receiving bone health agents (denosumab or zoledronic acid). The results led to a change in the indication of radium-223 in Europe and also highlighted a need for greater awareness of bone health in patients with prostate cancer. Following a meeting to discuss these issues, we report in this article our views on the role of radium-223 within the emerging treatment options for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We discuss best practices, and provide expert recommendations for preserving bone health and sequencing of life-prolonging therapies in patients with prostate cancer in order to achieve optimal outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: We provide recommendations on maintaining bone health, sequencing of treatments, and the role of radium-223 therapy in prostate cancer. Radium-223 is a valuable treatment option for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases. Monitoring and maintaining bone health are essential for patients with prostate cancer, and should be considered at the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy.