I-131 MIBG Therapy

MIBG therapy at St. Jude

MIBG stands for metaiodobenzylguanidine. It is a liquid absorbed by neuroendocrine tumor cells. MIBG is combined with radioactive iodine (I-131) that kills cancer cells.

This treatment involves radioactive materials. St. Jude has special guidelines and protections in place for MIBG therapy to keep patients and families safe.

Diseases treated with MIBG therapy at St. Jude

• Neuroblastoma 
• Pheochromocytoma 
• Paraganglioma 

Learn more about MIBG therapy on the Together by St. Jude™ online resource. 

Why St. Jude for MIBG therapy?

We provide the highest quality of care for our patients: 

• We offer state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including a specially designed area for MIBG therapy specifically for children. This MIBG suite for patients and family caregivers is specially designed for patient family safety and comfort.  
• St. Jude is part of the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) consortium, a group of children’s hospitals and academic institutions collaborating to improve care and treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma.
• St. Jude uses advanced imaging techniques for diagnosing neuroblastoma and monitoring response to treatment. 
• Our researchers found the first gene mutation related to a chronic and often fatal form of neuroblastoma that typically strikes teens and young adults. This finding provided the first clue about the genetic basis of the link between treatment outcome and age at diagnosis. 
• St. Jude is making an anti-neuroblastoma antibody. This antibody may give us another tool we can use to destroy any remaining microscopic disease. 
• St. Jude has a study that combines the antibody GD2 with chemotherapy. This combination may increase the survival rate for children with neuroblastoma. 

MIBG therapy team

The St. Jude MIBG team works closely with other specialists at St. Jude to make sure that your child gets the best care possible for their needs. This team includes: 

• Pediatric oncologists who treat cancer 
• Nuclear medicine physician who leads the delivery of MIBG and monitors radiation safety 
• Radiation safety officer who makes sure all safety plans are followed to protect the patient, family, and hospital staff from radiation exposure 
• Nurses who give the MIBG infusion, monitor your child, and manage side effects 
• Pharmacists who help with medicines 
• Child life specialist who prepares the child through play, education, and emotional support 
• Psychologist who supports the family emotionally before, during, and after treatment 
• Social worker who assists with logistics, emotional support, and connecting families to resources 
• Dietitians who make sure the child receives proper nutrition 
• Stem cell transplant team that gives stem cells for recovery after MIBG therapy 
• Environmental services staff who are specially trained to clean and manage the MIBG suites safely 

What to expect during MIBG therapy

Your child will be admitted to a state-of-the-art MIBG therapy suite within the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. They will remain in the hospital for several days. At least 1 adult caregiver must stay at the hospital with your child. 

Each suite has 3 rooms: 

• The anteroom: An outer room where staff and caregivers safely prepare before entering or exiting the patient’s treatment room 
• The patient/treatment room: A specially designed, safe space where your child receives their MIBG infusion and stays throughout treatment 
• The parent room: A comfortable, private space next to the patient/treatment room. This room has a leaded-glass window and a 2-way communication system to help you stay safe and connected to your child during therapy.

Learn more