Una actualización en el protocolo en cáncer de próstata metastásico hormonosensible / Hormone sensitive protocol for metastatic prostate cancer, an update

Revisar y actualizar los últimos protocolos en cáncer de próstata metastásico hormonosensible para mejorar su manejo clínico en la práctica clínica. Realizar un análisis de los datos y los protocolos más recientes en el cáncer de próstata metastásico hormonosensible según paneles de expertos en este ámbito. Actualmente se necesita un grupo de consenso nominal para unificar y mejorar las recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes sensibles con cáncer de próstata metastásico. Este documento unifica y mejora el manejo de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata metastásico hormonosensible, con una metodología que combina datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, y basada en la participación de un amplio comité científico designado por la Asociación Española de Urología (AU)

To review and update last protocols in hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer for improving clinical management in routine. Evidence analysis available about recent updates protocols in hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer according to expert panel of clinicians about this field. A nominal consensus group for unify and improve the recommendations to the management of sensitive metastatic prostate cancer patients is currently needed. This document unifies and improve the management of patients with hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, with a methodology that combines data quantitative and qualitative and based on the participation of a broad scientific committee appointed by the Spanish Association of Urology (AU)

Consenso multidisciplinar sobre idoneidad farmacológica en cáncer de próstata hormono-sensible metastásico / A multidisciplinary consensus statement on the optimal pharmacological treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

La terapia de privación androgénica (TPA) es el pilar del tratamiento del cáncer de próstata hormono-sensible metastásico (CPHSm). La adición de docetaxel o de nuevas terapias hormonales (abiraterona, apalutamida o enzalutamida) mejora la supervivencia global (SG) y es en la actualidad el estándar de tratamiento. Sin embargo, la decisión sobre el régimen específico que acompañe a la TPA debe ser discutida con el paciente teniendo en cuenta factores como las posibles toxicidades asociadas, la duración del tratamiento, las comorbilidades o sus preferencias, pues no hay evidencia suficiente para recomendar un régimen sobre otro en la mayoría de los casos. En este trabajo se resume la evidencia sobre el manejo del CPHSm y se aportan recomendaciones consensuadas sobre el tratamiento óptimo para añadir a la TPA en pacientes con CPHSm con especial atención al perfil clínico del paciente (AU)

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The addition of docetaxel or new hormone therapies (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide) improves overall survival and is currently the standard of care. However, the decision on the specific regimen to accompany ADT should be discussed with the patient, considering factors such as possible associated toxicities, duration of treatment, comorbidities, patient preferences, as there is no sufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over the other in most cases. This paper summarizes the evidence on the management of mHSPC and provides consensus recommendations on the optimal treatment in combination with ADT in mHSPC patients, with special attention to the patient's clinical profile (AU)

A multidisciplinary consensus statement on the optimal pharmacological treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). The addition of docetaxel or new hormone therapies (abiraterone, apalutamide, or enzalutamide) improves overall survival and is currently the standard of care. However, the decision on the specific regimen to accompany ADT should be discussed with the patient, considering factors such as possible associated toxicities, duration of treatment, comorbidities, patient preferences, as there is no sufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over the other in most cases. This paper summarizes the evidence on the management of mHSPC and provides consensus recommendations on the optimal treatment in combination with ADT in mHSPC patients, with special attention to the patient's clinical profile.

Hormone sensitive protocol for metastatic prostate cancer, an update.

To review and update last protocols in hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer for improving clinical management in routine. Evidence analysis available about recent updates protocols in hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer according to expert panel of clinicians about this field. A nominal consensus group for unify and improve the recommendations to the management of sensitive metastatic prostate cancer patients is currently needed. This document unifies and improve the management of patients with hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, with a methodology that combines data quantitative and qualitative and based on the participation of a broad scientific committee appointed by the Spanish Association of Urology.

Impacto de la patología psiquiátrica en el pronóstico y supervivencia de los varones con cáncer de próstata tratados mediante prostatectomía radical / The impact of psychiatric pathology on the prognosis and survival of men with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy

Introducción y objetivo: La ansiedad específica del cáncer (CSA) es la reacción psicológica más frecuente tras la prostatectomía radical (PR). Evaluamos la prevalencia de la patología psiquiátrica pretratamiento de cáncer de próstata mediante PR e identificamos la influencia de los diagnósticos psiquiátricos en la supervivencia y pronóstico en los pacientes. Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico observacional, 1.078 varones intervenidos mediante PR por cáncer de próstata órgano-confinado. Grupos: GP: pacientes con patología psiquiátrica previa a la PR; GNP: pacientes sin patología psiquiátrica previa a la PR, variables urológicas, oncológicas y psiquiátricas, estadística descriptiva y análisis multivariante. Resultados El 37,94% presentó algún diagnóstico psiquiátrico. Fue necesario tratamiento adyuvante de radioterapia (RT) en 27,83% y hormonoterapia (HT) en 23,38%; más frecuentes en GP. La supervivencia cáncer-específica fue superior en GNP. La ansiedad, depresión, insomnio, tabaquismo, psicosis y alcoholismo fueron los más frecuentes. La baja estadificación Tumor-Ganglios-Metástasis (TNM) y poca presencia de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) e incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE) incrementó la probabilidad de ausencia de patología psiquiátrica. En GP aumentó la fatiga, disfunción eréctil y deterioro cognitivo tras la PR junto con RT y/o HT. A mayor edad y mayor antígeno prostático específico (PSA) al diagnóstico, aumentó el riesgo relativo de patología psiquiátrica y peor evolución. Los factores más relacionados fueron la PR, PSA, la edad y el tiempo de supervivencia. Conclusiones La patología psiquiátrica está presente en pacientes tratados mediante PR debido a cáncer de próstata, teniendo alto impacto en los resultados de supervivencia y pronóstico (AU)

Introduction and Objective: Cancer-specific anxiety is the most frequently reported psychological response after radical prostatectomy (RP). We evaluated the prevalence of pretreatment psychiatric pathology in patients with prostate cancer undergoing RP and identified the effects of psychiatric diagnoses on their survival and prognosis. Material and Methods Retrospective multicenter observational study including 1078 men treated with RP for organ-confined prostate cancer. Groups: GP: patients with psychiatric pathology prior to RP; GNP: patients without psychiatric pathology prior to RP. Urological, oncological and psychiatric variables, descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were included. Results 37.94% of patients presented a psychiatric diagnosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy was required in 27.83% and hormone therapy in 23.38%; being more frequent in GP. Cancer-specific survival was higher in GNP. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, smoking, psychosis and alcoholism were the most frequent. Low TNM and low presence of LUTS and SUI increased the probability of absence of psychiatric pathology. Fatigue, erectile dysfunction and cognitive impairment after RP with RT and/or HT were higher in GP. Older age and higher PSA at diagnosis increased the relative risk of psychiatric pathology and worse outcome. The most frequently related factors were RP, PSA, age and survival time. Conclusions Psychiatric pathology is present in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, with a high impact on survival and prognostic outcomes (AU)

The impact of psychiatric pathology on the prognosis and survival of men with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Cancer-specific anxiety is the most frequently reported psychological response after radical prostatectomy (RP). We evaluated the prevalence of pretreatment psychiatric pathology in patients with prostate cancer undergoing RP and identified the effects of psychiatric diagnoses on their survival and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter observational study including 1078 men treated with RP for organ-confined prostate cancer. Groups: GP: patients with psychiatric pathology prior to RP; GNP: patients without psychiatric pathology prior to RP. Urological, oncological and psychiatric variables, descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were included. RESULTS: 37.94% of patients presented a psychiatric diagnosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy was required in 27.83% and hormone therapy in 23.38%; being more frequent in GP. Cancer-specific survival was higher in GNP. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, smoking, psychosis and alcoholism were the most frequent. Low TNM and low presence of LUTS and SUI increased the probability of absence of psychiatric pathology. Fatigue, erectile dysfunction and cognitive impairment after RP with RT and/or HT were higher in GP. Older age and higher PSA at diagnosis increased the relative risk of psychiatric pathology and worse outcome. The most frequently related factors were RP, PSA, age and survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric pathology is present in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, with a high impact on survival and prognostic outcomes.

Cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico: recomendaciones de manejo / Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations

Introducción y objetivo: La supervivencia y calidad de vida (QoL) de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico (CPRCnm) se deteriora de forma muy significativa cuando llegan a desarrollar metástasis. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación (apalutamida, enzalutamida y darolutamida) pueden prolongar la supervivencia libre de metástasis (SLM) y la supervivencia global (SG) en estos pacientes, manteniendo su QoL.Material y método: Tras una revisión sistemática de la literatura, un comité científico alcanzó un consenso sobre recomendaciones sencillas y prácticas que unifiquen y mejoren el manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología.Resultados: Se dan recomendaciones sobre la frecuencia de determinación de antígeno prostático específico (PSA) y pruebas de imagen en pacientes con CPRCnm. También se destaca la importancia de las comorbilidades en el paciente con CPRCnm y se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre la valoración funcional y de la QoL que se pueden llevar a cabo en la consulta de urología. Se revisa la eficacia, seguridad y efectos sobre la QoL de los antiandrógenos de nueva generación.Conclusiones: Para la evaluación del tratamiento de pacientes con CPRCnm, es necesario tener en cuenta no solo la edad, sino también las comorbilidades y la QoL. Los antiandrógenos de nueva generación son una opción de tratamiento segura y eficaz en los pacientes con CPRCnm. Las recomendaciones de trabajo pueden servir de ayuda para optimizar su manejo de los pacientes con CPRCnm en las consultas de urología. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL.Material and methods: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations.Results: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed.Conclusions: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations. (AU)

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: management recommendations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Survival and quality of life (QoL) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) deteriorate significantly when they develop metastases. New generation antiandrogens (apalutamide, enzalutamide and darolutamide) can prolong metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients, maintaining their QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the performance of a systematic review of the literature, a scientific committee reached a consensus on simple and practical recommendations to consolidate and improve the management of patients with nmCRPC in urology consultations. RESULTS: Recommendations are made on the frequency of PSA determination and imaging tests in patients with nmCRPC. The importance of co-morbidities in patients with nmCRPC is also highlighted, and recommendations are also made on functional and QoL assessment that can be carried out during urology consultations. The efficacy, safety, and effects on QoL of new generation antiandrogens are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: To evaluate treatment of patients with nmCRPC, it is necessary to consider co-morbidities and QoL, in addition to age. New generation antiandrogens are a safe and effective treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The recommendations of this review can be helpful in optimizing the management of nmCRPC patients in urology consultations.

Factores clínicos determinantes para la realización de pruebas de imagen en cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico en la práctica clínica: resultados del estudio IDENTIFICA / Clinical drivers for imaging testing in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in clinical practice: Results of the IDENTIFICA study

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio consistió en describir los factores clínicos que llevan a los médicos a realizar pruebas de imagen para identificar metástasis en pacientes con cáncer de próstata (CP) resistente a la castración no metastásico (CPRCnm).MétodosEstudio observacional transversal realizado en los servicios de Urología de 38 hospitales españoles; 188 pacientes diagnosticados con CPRCnm sometidos una prueba de imagen para evaluar la presencia de metástasis fueron incluidos. Se solicitó a los médicos, en una única visita del estudio, que especificaran los factores clínicos que los llevaron a realizar estas pruebas. Se presentaron los resultados de las pruebas de imagen y las características clínicas de los pacientes desde el diagnóstico de CP. Se utilizaron análisis de regresión para determinar factores predictivos de los resultados de las pruebas de imagen.ResultadosEl valor del «prostate-specific antigen» (por sus siglas en inglés, PSA), fue el factor más importante que determinó la solicitud de pruebas de imagen (57,1%), seguido de un seguimiento habitual (16,5%) y del tiempo de duplicación del PSA (TDPSA) (12,0%). Aunque estos factores no guardaron relación con la detección de metástasis, los pacientes con una concentración de PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml tuvieron un mayor riesgo de metástasis que aquellos con una concentración <4 ng/ml (p=0,004), mientras que los pacientes con CPRC diagnosticados de metástasis (CPRCm) tuvieron una mayor mediana de concentración de PSA (20,9; intervalo intercuartílico [IIC]: 6,7-38,6) que aquellos con CPRCnm (9,1; IIC: 5,0-18,0) (p=0,005). Un 66% no se sometió a ninguna prueba de imagen entre el diagnóstico de CPRC y la visita del estudio (10,6, IIC: 4,0-19,5 meses). El tratamiento con intención curativa en el momento del diagnóstico de CP y la puntuación de Gleason predijeron un mayor tiempo transcurrido entre los diagnósticos de CP y CPRC. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical drivers that lead physicians to perform imaging tests in search of metastasis in non-metastasic castration prostate resistant cancer (nmCRPC) patients.MethodsObservational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Departments of Urology of 38 Spanish hospitals. The study included 188 patients diagnosed with nmCRPC who underwent an imaging test for the assessment of metástasis. In one study visit, physicians were requested to specify the clinical factors that led them to perform these tests. The results of the imaging tests and the clinical characteristics of the patients since the time of prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis, were reported. Regression analyses were used to determine predictors of imaging test results.ResultsProstate-specific antigen (PSA) level was the most important driver to order imaging tests (57.1%), followed by regular follow-up (16.5%) and PSA doubling time (PSADT) (12.0%). Although these drivers were not associated to detection of metastasis, patients with PSA levels ≥20 ng/mL had a greater risk of metastasis than patients with PSA levels <4ng/mL (P=.004) and CRPC patients diagnosed with metastasis (mCRPC) had higher median PSA levels (20.9; interquartile range [IQR]: 6.7-38.6) than nmCRPC (9.1; IQR: 5.0-18.0) (P=.005). Sixty-six percent of the patients did not undergo any imaging test after CRPC diagnosis until the study visit (10.6, IQR: 4.0-19.5 months). Curative-intent treatment at PC diagnosis and Gleason score predicted longer time from PC to CRPC diagnosis.ConclusionsPhysicians based their decisions to order imaging tests for metastasis detection in nmCRPC patients mainly on PSA and PSA kinetics, including the regular follow-up stated by guideline recommendations. (AU)

Clinical drivers for imaging testing in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in clinical practice: Results of the IDENTIFICA study. / Factores clínicos determinantes para la realización de pruebas de imagen en cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración no metastásico en la práctica clínica: resultados del estudio IDENTIFICA.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to describe the clinical drivers that lead physicians to perform imaging tests in search of metastasis in non-metastasic castration prostate resistant cancer (nmCRPC) patients. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Departments of Urology of 38 Spanish hospitals. The study included 188 patients diagnosed with nmCRPC who underwent an imaging test for the assessment of metástasis. In one study visit, physicians were requested to specify the clinical factors that led them to perform these tests. The results of the imaging tests and the clinical characteristics of the patients since the time of prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis, were reported. Regression analyses were used to determine predictors of imaging test results. RESULTS: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was the most important driver to order imaging tests (57.1%), followed by regular follow-up (16.5%) and PSA doubling time (PSADT) (12.0%). Although these drivers were not associated to detection of metastasis, patients with PSA levels ≥20 ng/mL had a greater risk of metastasis than patients with PSA levels <4ng/mL (P=.004) and CRPC patients diagnosed with metastasis (mCRPC) had higher median PSA levels (20.9; interquartile range [IQR]: 6.7-38.6) than nmCRPC (9.1; IQR: 5.0-18.0) (P=.005). Sixty-six percent of the patients did not undergo any imaging test after CRPC diagnosis until the study visit (10.6, IQR: 4.0-19.5 months). Curative-intent treatment at PC diagnosis and Gleason score predicted longer time from PC to CRPC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians based their decisions to order imaging tests for metastasis detection in nmCRPC patients mainly on PSA and PSA kinetics, including the regular follow-up stated by guideline recommendations.

Review of the experience and evidence of Pygeum africanum in urological practice. / Revisión sobre la experiencia y evidencias del Pygeum africanum en Urología.

CONTEXT: Pygeum africanum(P. africanum) is still being employed in urology practice for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A non-exhaustive review has been carried out about P. africanum, its mechanisms of action "in vitro" as well as "in vivo", clinical trials and routine clinical practice. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The conclusions of the review and the reflections of the authors on the use of P. africanum are described. CONCLUSIONS: Although with an evidence level IV (based on expert opinion) the use of P. africanum seems to be an option in the urological therapeutic arsenal.

Liquid biopsy and prostate cancer. Current evidence applied to clinical practice. / Biopsia líquida y cáncer de próstata. Evidencia actual aplicada a la clínica.

CONTEXT: Despite being a validated source of biomarkers, liquid biopsy has not yet succeeded in becoming part of the standard clinical practice in prostate cancer patients. Few biomarkers undergo adequate validation, prospective and independent, of their predictive and/or prognostic value, which results in a lack of the different available tests in the clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a pragmatic synthesis of current scientific evidence on liquid biopsy for prostate cancer patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Non-systematic literature review, narrowing the search to papers on liquid biopsy from blood samples in prostate cancer patients. We mainly selected works evaluating clinical endpoints in prostate cancer. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The most clinically advanced forms of liquid biopsy are circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Both CTCs and ctDNA have demonstrated their prognostic value in metastatic disease. ARV7 determination is the first predictive biomarker of the disease. Its implementation into routine clinical practice requires methodological standardization and adequate clinical validation of the different available ways to detect it. The detection of CTCs in the early stages of the disease still depends on the optimization of the diagnostic methods and on the development of the biological characterization of these cells. The biological information provided by CTCs and ctDNA is different; therefore, the study of its adequate combination is the object of cutting-edge research. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of protocols and methodological standards is the limiting factor when aiming to reach conclusions that could have a potential impact on clinical practice. Therefore, the real short-term challenge for liquid biopsy is the establishment of consensus and common criteria.

Factors related to early castration resistance in metastatic prostate cancer. Results from the National Prostate Cancer Registry in Spain. / Factores relacionados con la resistencia a la castración precoz en el cáncer de próstata metastásico. Resultados del Registro nacional de cáncer de próstata en España.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to determine the factors independently related with the development of castration resistance (CR) in prostate cancer (PC) in the medium term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 155 patients diagnosed with metastatic PC with a follow-up of up to 39 months. Data taken from the National PC Registry. The evaluated variables were age, PSA, nadir PSA, Gleason, perineural invasion, TNM stages, and ADT type (intermittent/continuous). RESULTS: Mean follow-up 26,2±13,4 months. 47.1% developed early CR, with mean time until onset of 12,2±8,7 months. Univariate analysis the mean PSA was correlated with CR (290±905,1 ng/mL in non CR, 519,1±1437,2 ng/mL in CR, P<.001), mean age (73,3±8,3 years in non CR, 69,1±9,3 in CR P=.01), mean PSA nadir (15,5±57,3ng/mL in non CR, 15,9±23,7 ng/mL in CR, p<0,001), Gleason (in ≥8, HR:2,11. 95% CI: 1.22-3.65, p=0.006), and T stage (in T3-T4, HR: 2.85. 95% CI: 1.57-5.19, P<.001). Multivariate analysis the independent variables associated to CR are age (HR: 0.96. 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, P=.01), PSA nadir (HR: 1.65. 95% CI: 1,43-1,91, P<.001), and T3-T4 stage (HR: 2.11. 95% CI: 1.10-4.04, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: PSA nadir and T3-T4 tumor stage at diagnosis are associated to an increased risk of developing CR. In addition, age at diagnosis is shown as a variable that decreases risk. Therefore, an older age would be associated with lower risk probability of CR in the medium term.

Current status of young urologists and residents' activity and academic training in Spain. National survey results. / Estado actual de la actividad y formación académica de residentes y urólogos jóvenes en España. Resultados de una encuesta nacional.

OBJECTIVE: To study the current status of the activity and academic training of residents and young urologists in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the working group of residents and young urologists of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU), an anonymous survey of 32 questions was designed. Its aim was to evaluate the academic activity of residents, defined by: number of communications to congresses, publications in national and international journals, clinical rotations within Spain and abroad, master's degree, Doctorate (PhD), applications to the European Board of Urology exam and language competences. The survey was sent via email and disseminated through social networks. RESULTS: Ninety-one respondents were obtained; 66% affirmed not having publications in scientific journals, 67% did not perform rotations abroad. Only 21% claimed to have taken the EBU exam. Only 2% of the respondents had completed a Fellowship. Although most of them (82%) had not done so, they would be interested. However, 67% of respondents believed that the relevance of academic/research activity is from high to very high. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that academic activity, scientific production and publication of articles of the residents and young urologists in Spain is low. Moreover, participation in the EBU exam, the completion of a master's degree, PhD, rotations and fellowship is low. In contrast, the assessment of scientific activity is considered to be very relevant.

Radium-223 for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A window of opportunity. / Radio-223 en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración metastásico: una ventana de oportunidad.

CONTEXT: The elimination of bone metastases, restoration and/or preservation of bone morphology and prevention and/or delay of skeletal events are a fundamental objective in the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Radium-223 is the first targeted alpha therapy with effects on bone that has been shown to increase survival in these patients, besides providing other bone-related benefits. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of bone metastasis on mCRPC, and the benefits and the window of opportunity provided by radium-223 in the treatment of patients with mCRPC in the current treatment era. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A bibliographic search of PubMed and Spanish and international congresses on radium-223 and other first-line treatments for mCRPC was performed. Recent guidelines and recommendations by experts were also consulted. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE: Evidence for the mechanism of action of radium-223 widen its effects to the tumor bone environment. Survival of patients treated with radium-223 is higher in those with mild symptoms as opposed to those with moderate-severe symptoms. The presence of visceral metastases even in the early stages of mCRPC supports starting radium-223 therapy before the symptoms become clinically relevant. A 3-year study has confirmed its good safety profile. Changes in tALP and LDH may be useful markers for monitoring the treatment with radium-223, but they are not predictors of overall survival. CONCLUSION: Radium-223 is a valuable therapeutic alternative in the treatment of patients with mCRPC in early stages of the disease, with a good safety profile. Its benefits extend to the bone environment.