Systemic radiation

What is systemic radiation therapy?

Systemic radiation uses radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals. These unsealed radiation sources are usually in the form of a liquid. Examples are strontium 89 and iodine 131. The radiopharmaceuticals may be given in a vein (IV) or taken by mouth. They travel throughout the body and collect where the cancer is. This is where they give off their radiation to kill the cancer cells.

The radiopharmaceuticals are kept in special containers that hold the radiation inside so it cannot affect others. You will likely be treated in a special shielded room that also contains the radiation. And the health professionals handling the drugs may wear special gear that protects them from exposure while they are giving you the radioactive drug.

Will I be radioactive during or after systemic radiation treatment?

After systemic radiation with an unsealed radioactive substance, some radiation will stay in your body for a few days until your body has had a chance to get rid of it. You may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days, and your health care team will tell you what precautions to take until your body no longer contains radiation that might affect others. These precautions vary depending on the substance used.

Patient and family safety

Sometimes doctors recommend certain safety measures to protect the people around you from the systemic radiation in your body. This is because the radioactive materials can leave your body through saliva, sweat, blood, and urine, making these fluids radioactive. In most cases, the safety precautions must be followed only the first few days after treatment. Over time, the radiation becomes weaker and your body gets rid of it. Talk to the doctor or nurse about how long this may take in your case, and if there are special precautions you will need to take.

You might be told to follow these precautions for a certain amount of time:

• Wash your hands well after using the toilet.
• Use separate utensils and towels.
• Drink extra fluids to flush the radioactive material out of your body.
• Avoid sexual contact.
• Limit your contact with infants, children, and women who are pregnant.

Ask your health care team about the precautions you need to take. Be sure you understand what you need to do to protect the people around you.