Abstract
BACKGROUND: Radium-223-dichloride (Ra-223) is an alpha-emitting, bone seeking radionuclide therapy approved for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In the fall of 2014, a global temporary shortage of Ra-223 occurred for 2 months due to production irregularities. The aim of this study was to assess whether prolonged interval between Ra-223 cycles to non-disease related causes had a negative impact on clinical outcome of therapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single-center study of mCRPC patients who initiated Ra-223 therapy in the period from March 2014 to February 2015. End points were number of completed Ra-223 cycles, overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). Bone scintigraphy, CT of thorax and abdomen, hematological status, PSA and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated prior to first dose and after 3rd and 6th treatment, respectively. Follow-up period was 18 months after first Ra-223 cycle.
RESULTS: A total of 50 consecutive patients initiated Ra-223 therapy in the time period. Seventeen of 50 patients (34%) had prolonged interval between cycles due to delivery problems. Median delay was 4 weeks (range 3-9 weeks). Patients with delayed treatment had significantly longer median rPFS [delayed patients: 7.1 months (95% CI 4.9-9.3) vs. 4.5 months (95% CI 2.8-6.3)]. There was no significant difference in number of completed cycles or median OS.
CONCLUSION: We find no negative impact of prolonged interval between Ra-223 cycles due to non-disease related reasons on OS, rPFS or number of completed treatment cycles.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Annals of Nuclear Medicine |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 16-21 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 0914-7187 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2018 |
Keywords
- Journal Article