Which chelator is FDA-approved for clinically-significant internal contamination with radioactive americium-241?
DTPA, or diethylenetriamine pentaacetate. DTPA is indicated for treatment of internal contamination with radioactive plutonium, americium, or curium. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after contamination, and ideally within the first 24 hours. Prompt and repeated dosing of DTPA based on the activity of americium-241 that is internalized, and the patient’s response to therapy, can significantly reduce organ deposition of radioactive elements.
Contributor: Dr. Mark Layer, MD, Emory University
Keenan M, Behrens T, Bravenec S, et al. Americium Inhalational Exposure with Successful Chelation Therapy. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2021 Aug 17;1-5. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2021.211