Purpose: Defining an optimal imaging modality for assessment of therapy and the best time of evaluation are pivotal for ideal patient's management.
Methods: 223Ra (Xofigo®, formerly Alpharadin) has been approved by the FDA and European Medicines Agency for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with painful osseous involvement.
Results: PET/CT imaging using various radiotracers such as 18F-FDG, 18F-FCH, 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-NaF have been investigated to mitigate the limitations of conventional imaging modalities. Diagnostic radiotracers that have properties similar to a therapeutic radiotracer will precisely assess of the possibility and efficacy of a treatment; this is the theranostic concept. An example of a diagnostic test employed for selecting targeted therapy is the combined use of 18F-fluoride PET/CT for evaluation of possible therapy with 223Ra.
Conclusion: This review examines the most recent publications related to this topic.
Keywords: 223Ra; Bone metastasis; Prostate cancer; Therapy monitoring.