Name of the Procedure

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy, Radiolabeled Monoclonal Antibody by Intravenous Infusion

• Common Names: Radioimmunotherapy (RIT), Radiolabeled Antibody Therapy

Summary

Radiopharmaceutical therapy using a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody involves administering radioactive materials attached to antibodies through an intravenous (IV) infusion. This targeted approach allows radiation to specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Purpose

This procedure is primarily used to treat certain types of cancers, especially lymphomas. The goal is to deliver targeted radiation to cancer cells, thereby reducing or eliminating tumors and preventing their growth and spread.

Indications

• Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or other suitable types of cancer.
• Tumors expressing specific antigens that can be targeted by the monoclonal antibody.
• Conditions where conventional treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation) have been ineffective or unsuitable.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a certain period before the procedure.
• Medications may need to be adjusted as per the doctor's instructions.
• Blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies may be required to ensure eligibility and precise targeting of the therapy.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably in a reclined chair or hospital bed.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the patient's arm.
3. The radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is administered slowly via IV infusion.
4. The infusion process is monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure proper delivery of the therapy.
5. Follow-up imaging or tests may be performed to confirm the radiation is targeting the cancer cells effectively.

Equipment:

• IV infusion setup
• Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies
• Monitoring devices for vitals

No general anesthesia is typically required, though mild sedation or local anesthesia may be used to manage discomfort from IV insertion.

Duration

The infusion process typically takes about 1 to 4 hours, depending on the specific treatment protocol.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic that specializes in nuclear medicine or oncology.

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine specialists or oncologists
• Registered nurses specialized in oncology or nuclear medicine
• Radiation safety personnel

Risks and Complications

• Common: Fatigue, nausea, temporary drop in blood cell counts.
• Rare: Allergic reactions, infections, long-term radiation effects. Management includes supportive care, medications to counteract side effects, and close monitoring.

Benefits

• Targeted approach reduces damage to healthy tissues.
• Can be effective where other treatments have failed.
• Symptom relief and potential tumor reduction usually observed within weeks.

Recovery

• Follow-up appointments for monitoring blood counts and imaging studies.
• Activity restrictions may be necessary based on individual conditions.
• Recovery time varies; patients usually resume normal activities within days to a few weeks.

Alternatives

• Conventional chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Surgical intervention for tumor removal.
• Other targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, which should be discussed with the treating physician.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort from IV insertion.
• Possible sensations of warmth or tingling during infusion.
• Post-treatment fatigue and nausea, managed by appropriate medications. Pain management and comfort measures will be provided according to individual needs and responses.