Radiopharmaceutical therapy of malignant pheochromocytoma with [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine: results from ten years of experience.
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.
Shapiro
B
B
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-0028.
Sisson
J C
JC
Wieland
D M
DM
Mangner
T J
TJ
Zempel
S M
SM
Mudgett
E
E
Gross
M D
MD
Carey
J E
JE
Zasadny
K R
KR
Beierwaltes
W H
WH
D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine; D000293:Adolescent; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007462:Iodobenzenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007462:Iodobenzenes; D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine