chemotherapy (unsealed radioactive), the oral or parenteral administration of a radioisotope, such as iodine 131 (131I), for the treatment of hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer or phosphorus 32 (32P) for leukemia, polycythemia vera, or peritoneal ascites resulting from widely disseminated carcinoma. ▪ METHOD: The patient needs to be isolated during the half-life of the radioisotope (8.1 days for 131I, 14 days for 32P, and 2.7 days for 198Au) to prevent radiation exposure to other persons. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Therapy with radioactive iodine is performed on an outpatient basis. The dose of the isotope is low, so radiation precautions are not needed. Disposal of urine, feces, and dressings follows a prespecified protocol. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: Radioactive iodine usually counteracts hyperthyroidism and is frequently used in conjunction with surgery in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Radioactive phosphorus often controls polycythemia vera, but other agents are generally more effective in leukemia therapy. Radioactive gold is usually administered as a last resort in advanced lung cancer or peritoneal ascites resulting from malignant disease.
