131-I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Treatment of Malignant Phe

Child Health And Human Development

Investigators

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are tumors of chromaffin cells that synthesize and secrete catecholamines. This project tests the efficacy of radiotoxic treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma using 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG), and in particular tests whether pre-treatment using specific drugs (so called sentitizers) increases the efficacy of 131I-MIBG treatment in reducing the size and number of tumors and the tumor burden. The central hypothesis is that in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma, treatment with 131I-MIBG destroys tumor cells and thereby decreases the size and number of tumors and the tumor burden; and that the "sensitization" procedures augment the effectiveness of 131I-MIBG. Recently, the protocol has been approved by the FDA and the contract from the University of Michigan, to obtain 131-I-MIBG for treatment, has been approved. Patients are being enrolled into the study.