Radioiodinated MIBG in paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma: previous results and early experiences using no-carrier-added MIBG

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) radiolabeled with either 123I or 131I has been used to diagnose neuroendocrine tumors such as paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma, and 131I-MIBG has been used to treat these tumors. The role of radioiodinated MIBG in treating neuroendocrine tumors is still being evaluated. More recently, no-carrier-added (nca) MIBG has become available, and the advantages of nca MIBG over ca MIBG are being demonstrated. This article reviews the biology of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas, the role of MIBG imaging in the diagnosis of these tumors and the role of both ca and nca 131I-MIBG in the treatment of these tumors. New data on nca 131I-MIBG in the therapy of these tumors are included.