Radium-223 (Xofigo) for Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis | Saarland University Hospital

Radium-223 dichloride (Xofigo) is offered as a highly specialized, targeted alpha-particle therapy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. med. Samer Ezziddin, the department has established itself as one of the world's leading centers for molecular radiotherapy, ensuring that this treatment is not merely an isolated procedure but part of a sophisticated, multidisciplinary oncological strategy. The extensive experience treating advanced tumor stages enables a personalized approach, integrating Xofigo into the patient’s long-term care plan to precisely target symptomatic bone metastases while sparing visceral organs. The therapeutic mechanism of Radium-223 at this facility leverages the isotope's natural affinity for bone minerals. Because radium mimics calcium, it is rapidly absorbed into areas of the skeleton with high bone turnover driven by cancer activity. Once localized within the metastatic sites, the drug emits high-energy alpha radiation over an extremely short range of less than 100 micrometers. This precision ensures that the radiation delivers lethal double-strand DNA breaks to the tumor cells while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy bone marrow and adjacent organs. At Saarland University Hospital, this treatment is particularly valued for its dual benefit: significantly extending overall survival while maintaining a high quality of life by reducing skeletal-related events and bone pain. The clinical process is defined by rigorous safety standards and advanced diagnostic monitoring. Before each scheduled intravenous injection, patients undergo comprehensive hematological evaluations to monitor white blood cell and platelet counts, ensuring the bone marrow remains resilient throughout the cycle. The state-of-the-art PET/CT and scintigraphy technologies are utilized to accurately map the extent of bone involvement before therapy begins, allowing the medical team to confirm the suitability of the treatment. Patients receiving Xofigo at Saarland University Hospital benefit from a streamlined, outpatient-focused delivery model that prioritizes comfort and safety. The injections typically take about 1 minute, and because alpha radiation has limited penetration, patients can generally return to their daily routines shortly after the procedure with minimal restrictions. The expert staff provides detailed guidance on hygiene and hydration to manage the isotope's temporary presence in the body. By combining world-class research with compassionate clinical care, the department ensures that patients with advanced prostate cancer have access to one of the most effective tools for managing bone-dominant disease in a setting of unmatched nuclear medicine expertise.