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Chapter 10 Radioisotope Therapy |
A radioisotope is sometimes called a radiopharmaceutical. When injected into the bloodstream, the radioisotope attaches to special parts of the tumour called receptors. When attached, they deliver damaging radiation to the tumour cells. In a way, it is a “targeted therapy”.
The radioisotopes used at the London Regional Cancer Program are Indium‐111 Octreotide and Iodine‐131 MIBG. A nuclear medicine scan will show which radioisotope is right for you. Your radioisotope treatment will use the same radioisotope as the scan, but with a much higher dose.
How are radioisotope treatments given?
Radioisotope treatments are considered “systemic” treatments. This means that the treatment is given into the bloodstream, through an IV. The radioisotopes attach to the tumours where they deliver the radiation. If you receive this type of therapy, you will be admitted to a special private room in the Inpatient Oncology unit at Victoria Hospital, LHSC. You will be isolated because you will be radioactive for 1 to 5 days, depending on the radioisotope used. This may sound scary, but it is not harmful to you. It can, however, be harmful to others, especially pregnant women and children.
If this treatment is suggested, you must be able to care for your own needs. You will have an IV running much of the time during your hospital stay. This might make going to the bathroom a little difficult. It is important to tell staff if you need help.
More detailed instructions will be given to you at the time of treatment. Visitors are allowed, but there will be some restrictions, which will be explained to you when you are admitted.
Will I have side effects from radioisotope therapy?
Normally patients do not feel any side effects from radioisotope therapy. In very few cases, some people feel nauseous for 2 to 3 days after this therapy.
Radioisotope therapy does suppress the bone marrow. This means that your body is slower to make blood cells.
Your kidneys also need protection when you receive Indium111 Octreotide. This is done by giving you an infusion with amino acids a few hours before and after the radioisotope.
Radioisotopes tend to collect in the thyroid gland. To prevent damage to your thyroid, you will get tablets of Potassium Iodide right before the treatment. You will also need to take these tablets for 9 to 10 days after the radioisotope treatment ends. The prescription must be filled at the LHSC or LRCP Pharmacies because Potassium Iodide tablets are not available in most pharmacies.
Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization
Hepatic artery chemoembolization is a treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver. This may be the best therapy when the tumours are mostly found in the liver. In this procedure, a skilled radiologist inserts a small tube called a catheter into a large artery located in the groin. The tube is threaded up into the artery leading to the liver. Once in place, a Nuclear Medicine Physician injects a mixture of radioisotope and chemotherapy into the artery where it targets the tumours in the liver. The artery is then blocked with a substance (gelform) that will dissolve after a short period of time.
| << Patient Booklet Main Page >> | |
| << Chapter 9 Medical Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumours |
Chapter 11 >> Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization |