Pheochromocytomas are tumors of chromaffin cells that synthesize and secrete catecholamines. This project tests the efficacy of radiotoxic treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma using 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG), and in particular tests whether pre-treatment using specific drugs (so called sentitizers) increases the efficacy of 131I-MIBG treatment in reducing the size and number of tumors and the tumor burden. The central hypothesis is that in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma, treatment with 131I-MIBG destroys tumor cells and thereby decreases the size and number of tumors and the tumor burden; and that the """"""""sensitization"""""""" procedures augment the effectiveness of 131I-MIBG. Currently this new protocol needs some clarifications to complete the contract with the University of Michigan to be able to obtain 131-I-MIBG for treatment, therefore, no patients have been enrolled into the study so far.
