Update to Current Policies for Use of Radiation Therapy Drugs
Abstract
Potassium iodide (KI) and Prussian blue are two medical countermeasures that can be used to decrease the effects of internal radiological exposure. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid against Iodine-131 (I-131). I-131 is a product of nuclear fission, and is most often encountered in nuclear reactor accidents. Prussian blue binds radioactive cesium and thallium. Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a product of nuclear fission and is associated with nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, as well as medical sources and radiological dispersion devices (RDDs). The DOD policies for KI and Prussian blue have not been updated since 2005 and 2004, respectively. Therefore, there is a risk that patients treated with Prussian blue or KI will not receive medical care that is in sync with the last decade-plus of scientific research. Other associated policies, such as guidelines for the Strategic National Stockpile or FEMA guidelines, could have changed in the interim as well. This paper reviews scientific literature and policies published since 2004 to determine whether or why any changes to the current DOD policies are warranted, and makes recommendations accordingly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1103109
Entities
People
- Catherine E. Shuster
- Kristen A. Bishop
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses