Improved radiation protection of the thyroid gland with thyroxine, methimazole, and potassium iodide during diagnostic and therapeutic use of radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine in children with neuroblastoma.

Background: During radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) administration in children with neuroblastoma, the thyroid is protected from (123/131)I uptake by potassium iodide. Despite this protection, up to 64% of patients develop thyroid dysfunction. The authors introduce a new method of radiation protection for the thyroid gland.

High incidence of thyroid dysfunction despite prophylaxis with potassium iodide during (131)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine treatment in children with neuroblastoma.

Background: Treatment modalities like targeted radiotherapy with (131)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine ((131)I-MIBG) improve survival rates after neuroblastoma (NB). Radiation to the thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism and even malignancy. Because hypothyroidism after (131)I-MIBG treatment was reported, the current KI prophylaxis against thyroidal radiation damage was evaluated.