Radium 223 (Ra223)

Radium 223 is a treatment using radioactive Radium 223 (Ra223) for prostate cancer which has spread to your bones. 

You will be seen by a consultant oncologist who will decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Once this decision has been made, a therapy radiographer will ring you to discuss treatment in more detail. An appointment time will be agreed, and you will receive a letter and information through the post. We aim to give  up to six treatment injections.  A week before each treatment you will need to come to the Molecular Radiotherapy Unit to check you are well enough to have treatment . At this visit radiographers will weigh you, take a blood sample and ask you questions about your general well-being. The treatment is then delivered the following week on a Thursday. Specially trained therapy radiographers inject Radium 223 directly into a vein.  When the isotope is injected, it behaves like Calcium in your body, and is absorbed by the bones. This then delivers radioactivity directly to the bones. You will only be in the department for 20 to 25 minutes each time after which you can go straight home. You are welcome to bring a relative or friend with you to these appointments.

Read our patient information leaflet here.

Read our patient radiation protection precuations for radium 223 here or here