Xofigo is the brand name for radium 223, a mildly radioactive form of the metal radium that is used to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to treatments designed to lower testosterone (known as castration-resistant prostate cancer). It is for men whose prostate cancer has spread to the bone with symptoms but not to other parts of the body.
Metastatic prostate cancer moves into the bones in most patients. When cancer reaches the bone, the patient is much more vulnerable to symptoms such as pain in the bones and fractures that occur even during gentle movements. If the cancer has reached the bones but not spread to other organs, Xofigo can extend the time before the symptoms occur.
The cancer cells in the bone absorb Xofigo and it then releases radiation that travels a very short distance. This means that the cancer cells receive a high dose of radiation which can destroy them, and healthy cells receive only a low dose of or no radiation.
Xofigo is injected into a vein. Usually this is through a thin short tube put into a vein in your arm or hand each time you have treatment. The injection takes about a minute, is normally repeated every 4 weeks and you usually have it up to 6 times. You might have a blood test in between injections to make sure it is safe for you to have your next one. The treatment is given in an outpatient setting and you can go home when finished.
For more information about Xofigo and to see if it’s right for you or your loved one, talk with your OHC doctor or call OHC at 1-800-710-4674.
