Bone-seeking radionuclide for therapy

Abstract

Ionising radiation is utilised in a variety of situations in the management of prostate cancer. Beyond the scope of this book is the use of brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as efficacious, radical treatment modalities in the management of localised prostate cancer. Earlier chapters have covered the use of EBRT as a therapeutic option for the treatment of symptomatic bone metastases. This chapter focuses on the place of radionuclide therapy for the management of bone metastases. Recent development of radium-223 dichloride has reinvigorated this field of therapy. Here, analysis is made of the history of radionuclides and their current role in the modern treatment paradigm; the chapter closes by horizon-scanning for the potential future applications of radionuclide therapy, both as part of novel combinations with other agents and in new settings beyond current licensed indications.