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Glow in the dark
Loucas Christodoulou1, Kit Wu1
11 Department of Paediatric Neurology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK ; 2 Department of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery
|June 2, 2015
Summary
Radioactive secretions from 131I-meta iodobenzylguanidine (131I-mIBG) treatment for neuroblastoma can contaminate items like blankets. Careful handling of patient secretions is crucial for radiation safety after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer often treated with 131I-meta iodobenzylguanidine (131I-mIBG).
- 131I-mIBG therapy involves radioactive isotopes, necessitating radiation safety protocols.
- Radioactivity in patient secretions post-treatment requires careful management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To underscore the significance of radiation safety measures.
- To emphasize the need for proper handling of radioactive secretions after 131I-mIBG treatment.
- To illustrate potential contamination routes from patient secretions.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 4-year-old girl with stage 4 neuroblastoma is presented.
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to identify radioactivity.
- Radioactivity was detected on the patient's comfort blanket, specifically where she had been sucking.
Main Results:
- Significant radioactivity was confirmed in the patient's comfort blanket.
- This finding indicates that patient secretions can transfer radioactivity to external objects.
- The patient's secretions remained radioactive for a period following the diagnostic scan.
Conclusions:
- Previous studies noted 131I-mIBG uptake in salivary glands.
- This case highlights that patient secretions remain radioactive post-treatment.
- Reinforces the critical importance of meticulous handling of radioactive secretions to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
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