ACS :: Systemic Radiation

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 injected into the body, given in a vein (IV), or taken by mouth. They travel throughout the body and are designed to collect in the area of the body where the cancer is. That is where they give off their radiation to kill the cancer cells.

After systemic radiation with an unsealed radioactive substance such as iodine, phosphorus, or strontium by mouth or into a vein, 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.

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.

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.