New Internal Radiation for Metastases in Skeletal Tissue

An early trial of a new type of internal radiation shows promise for treating cancer that has spread to skeletal tissue. The trial results were presented at the 18th International Cancer Congress in Oslo (Norway).

Many patients with advanced cancer of the breast, prostate, or lung experience metastasis to skeletal tissue. Current internal radiation therapy is usually based on pharmaceuticals that contain strontium, which has a scope of 6-7 mm and can damage bone marrow and impair the production of new blood cells. In the new study, researchers used a new isotope, radium-223, which has a short scope (2 mm) and a half-life of only 11 days. Early results show that many patients are able to use a lower dose of pain medication. However, a phase II study is needed to perform imaging, determine whether there is any reduction in malignant tissue, and examine pain relief and survival, say the researchers.

"We believe this treatment might be administered the first time a tumor spreads to skeletal tissue, and that it might inhibit metastases. This would have an effect on pain and quality of life and could increase survival,” says Lise Balteskard, Ph.D., senior medical officer, University Hospital of Northern Norway. Along with doctors at the Norwegian Cancer Hospital, she treated the first patients with radium-223.