Radium-223 dichloride
Radium-223 was the first alpha-emitting drug ever approved (2013). It homes to bone like calcium and treats prostate cancer that has spread only to bone.
ALSYMPCA: OS 14.9 vs 11.3 months in symptomatic bone-predominant mCRPC. ERA 223 showed excess fractures with abiraterone (now contraindicated without bone protection); PEACE III (2024) with enzalutamide plus bone-protecting agents positive for rPFS and OS.
- Medicare
- Part B (clinician-administered)
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies. HCPCS A9606. Six monthly injections.
- Commercial insurance
- covered with prior authorisation
Covered under the medical benefit with prior authorisation confirming diagnosis, biomarker status and line of therapy; site-of-care policies may steer infusions away from hospital outpatient departments. Symptomatic bone metastases without visceral disease, per the label.
- Assistance programmes
- Bayer US Patient Assistance Foundation
- PAN Foundation — Disease-specific co-pay and premium funds; open and closed funds change monthly.
- HealthWell Foundation
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
- Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief
20% Part B coinsurance on a high-cost infusion adds up quickly: Medigap Plan G or N, Medicare Advantage maximum out-of-pocket, Medicaid dual eligibility, or a charity fund are the usual buffers.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
- Appraised for
- Hormone-relapsed prostate cancer with bone metastases after docetaxel (or not suitable for it)
- NHS England
- Routinely funded for the appraised indication (or via managed access)
Sources: NICE TA412 · SMC advice: radium-223 dichloride. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Approvals
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| US | 2013 | Symptomatic bone-metastatic CRPC without visceral disease |
Trials
topRecruiting now (live from ClinicalTrials.gov)
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Landmark trials in OnCo
Latest papers
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