Prostate cancer patients living longer, better with new treatment: Botsford Cancer Center now offering Xofigo for prostate cancer spread to bone

Botsford Cancer Center in Farmington Hills today announces a new treatment option called Xofigo for men with advanced prostate cancer. Demonstrating an anti-tumor effect on bone metastases, this important addition to the treatment of prostate cancer is delivered in the form of one monthly injection for six months. 
 
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. other than skin cancer. Approximately four percent of prostate cancer cases are considered distant, which means that cancer has spread beyond the prostate to distant areas of the body (metastasized). If prostate cancer starts to spread to other areas of the body, it most commonly goes to the bone. 
 
"It's exciting to have this new tool to use in treating our patients who present with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, which is relatively difficult to treat," said James Fontanesi, MD, a radiation oncologist at the Botsford Cancer Center. "The treatment can increase a patient's survival rate and decrease his pain. And, the patient is sent home right away after his monthly injection." 
 
An injection of Xofigo swiftly moves through a patient's blood and goes straight to his bones. It acts like calcium, only targeting tumor cells on the bone tissue. 
 
Xofigo, which was FDA approved only a few months ago, is the first and only alpha particle-emitting radioactive therapeutic agent that has demonstrated improvement in overall survival and delay in time to the first symptomatic skeletal event. 
 
This treatment promises fewer major side effects than traditional chemotherapy medications. The most common side effects are low blood counts, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and swelling. 
 
"Botsford is a great place to receive an innovative therapy such as Xofigo since we combine excellence in medical and radiation oncology with leading-edge technology. Any of our cancer team members are available for immediate consultation," said Dr. Fontanesi. 
 
The State of Michigan amended Botsford Cancer Center's radioactive materials license this month, authorizing it to administer Xofigo to patients. 
 
Patients interested in learning more about Xofigo or other prostate cancer treatment options at the Botsford Cancer Center may call 248-471-8120. 
 
The manufacturer of Xofigo, Bayer HealthCare, offers patient assistance through Xofigo Access Services, which will assist with obtaining coverage for Xofigo. Patients may contact this program at 1-855-696-3446. In addition, Botsford Cancer Center employs a financial navigator who helps patients deal with the cost of cancer treatment.