Description:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether an oral drug called dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) given together with radium-223 may control PSA levels and reduce side effects during radium-223 treatment. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed for a broad range of conditions and are widely used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Prior research studies have shown that dexamethasone reduces PSA levels by lowering the production of androgens (i.e. male hormones) and improves overall tolerance for cancer-fighting drugs and therapies. Up to 24 men being treated with radium-223 at University Health Network will be enrolled into this study. If the study is positive, it might offer an improved quality of life and extended survival.