[Therapy of bone metastases with radium-223. German guidelines]

Nuklearmedizin. 2016 Sep 26;55(5):177-86. doi: 10.3413/Nukmed-2016050001. Epub 2016 Jul 15.
[Article in German]

Abstract

This document describes the guideline for therapy of bone metastases with radium-223 ((223)Ra) published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften in Germany (AWMF) under the auspices of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (DGN), Östereichische Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (OGN), and Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (SGNM). This guidance is based on an interdisciplinary consensus. These recommendations are a prerequisite for the quality management in the treatment of patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer using (223)Ra. They are aimed at guiding nuclear medicine specialists in selecting candidates to receive therapy and to deliver the treatment in a safe and effective manner. The document contains background information and definitions. It covers the rationale, indications and contraindications for therapy with (223)Ra. Essential topics are the requirements for institutions performing the therapy, which patient data have to be available prior to performance of therapy, and how treatment has to be carried out technically and organisationally. Moreover, essential elements of follow-up and aftercare are specified. As a matter of principle, the treatment inclusive aftercare has to be realised in close cooperation with the involved medical disciplines.

Keywords: Radionuclide therapy; Radium-223; alpha emitter; bone metastases; prostate cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Germany
  • Nuclear Medicine / standards*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / standards
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / therapeutic use
  • Radiotherapy / standards*
  • Radium / standards
  • Radium / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Radium