Prussian Blue (Radiogardase) in Nuclear Medicine: New Approaches to Treating Internal Radioactive Toxicity-Mechanisms and Efficacy in Radionuclide Contamination

Abstract

Internal radioactivity pollution is a major issue in nuclear medicine and environmental protection since the radionuclides cesium and thallium can accumulate in the body. This review aims to discuss the application of Prussian Blue (Radiogardase) as a useful decorporation agent, but with reference to animal models alone. The analysis of rodents and livestock shows that Prussian Blue dramatically improves fecal excretion of radionuclides, decreases biological half-life, and restricts tissue absorption using its ion-exchange process in the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that there is little absorption into the systemic circulation and that early administration is crucial to the best effect and species differences affect the metabolism and excretion of radionuclides. Also, novel modalities like nanostructured formulations and combination therapies have the potential to enhance the treatment outcomes. The application of animal studies also emphasizes its significant use in the environmental and agricultural context to minimize the transfer of radionuclides to milk and meat, hence food safety. Toxicological assessments assure high safety, low side effects and positive therapeutic index. Non-etheless, drawbacks as variability in dosing regimens and lack of long-term animal studies suggest the necessity of additional studies. In general, Prussian Blue is a very effective and safe approach to dealing with internal radioactive toxicity and radionuclide contamination.