Radiation safety with yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) radioimmunotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To present pertinent issues involved in radiation safety in radioimmunotherapy with 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan.


METHODS
Published clinical trials of 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and secondary literature on radiation safety and radioimmunotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Radioimmunotherapy with 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan is safe and effective in the indicated population, and radiation safety requirements for caregivers and patients are minimal. Yttrium 90 ibritumomab is routinely and safety administered as an outpatient procedure; safety precautions are universal precautions, with the addition of acrylic shielding for the preparation and administration of the radiolabeled dose.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses play a key role in the multidisciplinary team. By observing universal precautions, and advising patients to do the same, oncology nurses may facilitate the safe and effective administration of the ibritumomab tiuxetan regimen.
Hendrix
Carolyn
C
Cancer Outpatient Treatment Clinic, Hoag Cancer Center, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016499:Radioimmunotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D015021:Yttrium Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015021:Yttrium Radioisotopes; C422802:ibritumomab tiuxetan