Radiopharmaceutical therapy of malignant pheochromocytoma with [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine: results from ten years of experience
Shapiro, B.; Sisson, J.C.; Wieland, D.M.; Mangner, T.J.; Zempel, S.M.; Mudgett, E.; Gross, M.D.; Carey, J.E.; Zasadny, K.R.; Beierwaltes, W.H.
Journal of Nuclear Biology and Medicine 35(4): 269-276
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0368-3249 PMID: 1823834 Document Number: 375364
Twenty-eight patients with histologically proven metastatic or invasive, unresectable pheochromocytomas, which were shown to concentrate and retain tracer doses of [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG), were treated with therapeutic quantities of this radiopharmaceutical. Between one and six doses ranging from 97 to 301 mCi (cumulative dose 111-916 mCi) were administered. Partial response in tumor size was achieved in 8/28 patients and partial biochemical responses in 12/28 patients. No pharmacological toxicity was observed. Mild radiation sickness (nausea, vomiting, anorexia) occurred in 21/28. Minor degrees of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 3/28. There were three cases of hypothyroidism but no significant hepatic, renal, adrenocortical or autonomic nervous dysfunction. We conclude that therapeutic 131I-MIBG can achieve significant therapeutic responses in some cases of malignant pheochromocytoma without pharmacological toxicity and only mild radiotoxicity.