University of California

The above physicians are investigating a method of treating metastatic pheochromocytoma with a radioactive compound called 131 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 131 I-MIBG) which is taken up by the pheochromocytoma (and related tumor) cells. This compound delivers the radioactive iodine to the cancer cells selectively, resulting in their destruction. Previous research studies testing 131 IMIBG in patients with pheochromocytoma have shown that 131 I-MIBG made tumors smaller in some patients.