cancer research

Prolonging the Lives of Prostate Cancer Patients

By Kimberly Kaufman, Illinois CancerCare
here is a new treatment available that can alleviate bone pain and prolong the lives of men with prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. This radioactive compound, known as Xofigo (zo-fee-go), specifically targets cancer cells within the bone, sparing some healthy cells that may be destroyed by other treatment options. How It Works Xofigo is an intravenous injection of the radioactive material radium-223 dichloride. Upon entering the body, Xofigo mimics calcium and binds to areas within the bone where there is increased bone turnover. Since cancer cells experience uncontrolled growth, Xofigo is specifically targeting these rapidly dividing cancer cells. Once inside the bone, the radioactive drug emits alpha particles, which travel into surrounding cells and cause both strands of the DNA within the cell to break. This destruction of DNA leads to the death of the cell and thus regression of the tumor. The radium-223 dichloride then decays and ultimately remains in the bone as a stable form of lead. Xofigos alpha particles radiate at a range of less than 100 micrometers, which amazingly equates to the diameter of only 10 cells and significantly limits damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Working With Radioactive Compounds A nuclear pharmacy that specializes in working with radioactive compounds prepares an individualized dose of radium-223 dichloride for each patient and delivers it to the treatment facility. Since Xofigo is a radioactive compound, it can only be administered in certain facilities where the staff has proper training in this unique area. Special precautions are then taken to ensure that those preparing, administering, and receiving the drug do not receive unnecessary exposure to the radiation. The radiation from Xofigo leaves the body through the urine and stool. This means that those

in contact with the individual will not be exposed to radiation as long as good hygiene practices are used. Who Should Receive Xofigo? Xofigo is only approved for men with prostate cancer that has not previously responded to medications that deprive the body of hormones that otherwise fuel prostate cancer growth. To be eligible for Xofigo, the individual must also have symptoms related to the spread of prostate cancer to the bone. Benefits Of Xofigo Versus Standard Chemotherapy Prior to the approval of Xofigo, patients with non-responsive prostate cancer were placed on injectable chemotherapy medications. The chemotherapy travels throughout the body, resulting in the death of any cells that are rapidly dividing both cancerous and healthy. It is the death of normal cells that causes the commonly seen side effects of chemotherapy, including severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, rash, mouth sores, and destruction of blood cells that work to fight infection. Since Xofigo specifically targets cancer cells in the bone, there are fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy medications. The most common side effects seen in clinical trials for Xofigo were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and swelling. A course of treatment is also only six injections that are four weeks apart, reducing the duration of treatment needed. Additionally, it was found that patients taking Xofigo lived 3.6 months longer than patients on standard treatment in the clinical trial. Therefore, this novel medication is not only a safer option, but also has the potential to prolong the lives of men with prostate cancer. For more information, contact Michele Rice, Director, Pharmacy and Research, at 309-243-3407. Visit our website today: www.illinoiscancer.com.

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Page 42 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2013