TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Radiation therapy
Source: Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 10, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview / The following types of treatment are used:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.
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External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer.
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Metastatic pheochromocytoma is sometimes treated with a radioactive substance called 131I-MIBG. It is given by infusion to deliver radiation directly to tumor cells throughout the body. 131I-MIBG collects in certain kinds of tumor cells, killing them with the radiation that is given off. Not all pheochromocytomas take up 131I-MIBG, so a test is done first to check for this before treatment begins.
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The way the radiation therapy is given depends on whether the cancer is localized, regional, metastatic, or recurrent. External radiation therapy and 131I-MIBG therapy are used to treat pheochromocytoma.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice