Primary hypothyroidism as a consequence of 131-I-metaiodobenzylguanidine treatment for children with neuroblastoma.
BACKGROUND
131-I-metaiodobenzylguanidine is a radioiodinated compound selectively concentrated by cells of neuroectodermal origin, including neuroblastoma cells, for this reason it may represent a promising treatment modality for neuroblastoma in childhood. Although a potential side effect of 131-I-MIBG administration is thyroid dysfunction, relatively few data are reported about this issue.


METHODS
A series of 14 long term surviving patients with neuroblastoma who had been treated with 131-I-MIBG courses ranging from 2.5 to 5.5 gigabecquerels after surgical and conventional pharmacologic therapy is reported.


RESULTS
Twelve patients developed primary hypothyroidism that was clinically overt in 8 patients and compensated in 4 patients within 6-12 months of completion of 131-I-MIBG administration. Only in two patients was thyroid function spared. Significant correlations between the cumulative dose of 131-I-MIBG and the degree of thyroid failure were not found.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary hypothyroidism appears to be a common side effect in children with neuroblastoma treated with 131-I-MIBG. This finding suggests that methods to preserve thyroid function other than oral administration of iodide should be sought.
Picco
P
P
Second Division of Pediatrics, G. Gaslini Institute for Children, Genoa, Italy.
Garaventa
A
A
Claudiani
F
F
Gattorno
M
M
De Bernardi
B
B
Borrone
C
C
D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007462:Iodobenzenes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D007462:Iodobenzenes; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D019797:3-Iodobenzylguanidine