I-131 MIBG therapy: Working to eliminate pediatric cancer

I-131 MIBG is a medicine made by a specialized pharmacist. The drug contains a form of radioactive iodine called I-131 and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG).

MIBG is very similar to a neurotransmitter chemical absorbed by neuroendocrine cells. When I-131 MIBG builds up within a tumor, it gives off radiation that destroys the cancer cells.

Your child receives I-131 MIBG therapy by infusion. The medicine travels through your child’s bloodstream to the tumor.

Your child’s body removes the radiation not absorbed by the cancer cells through their urine. It takes two to five days for your child’s body to achieve safe radiation levels after they’ve received a dose of I-131 MIBG. The exact amount of time depends on the dose of I-131 MIBG given, the extent of the tumor being treated and your child’s kidney function.

The I-131 MIBG treatment can be very effective at destroying hard-to-treat neuroendocrine cancers. Your child will take medicines to protect other parts of the body from the radiation. Your child might experience low blood counts and thyroid problems after treatment.

Before your child gets a I-131 MIBG treatment, we take many safety precautions. We protect you and your child from the radioactive iodine with a specialized treatment room and lead shields.

Our radiation safety team and nurses will train you to care your child. We will also teach you how to keep yourself safe from radiation during and after the hospital stay. Our child life specialists will help you create plans to keep your child engaged and comfortable throughout their hospital stay.

Your child’s care team monitors your child during the I-131 MIBG infusion. The treatment takes about 90 minutes and is not painful. Children usually do not feel sick. 

For most children, the hardest part of I-131 MIBG treatment is staying away from others after the radiation is administered. It typically takes two to five days for the majority of the radiation to leave the body, at which time your child can safely return home.

When your child needs hospitalization, they will be admitted to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis.

Child life specialists help your child and family cope with any fears and anxieties. The American Family Children's Hospital Patient and Family Visitor Guide features information about:

• Hero beads

• Hospital school

• Positive Image Center

• Spiritual care services

• Tyler's Place (sibling child care)