iodine-131 iodized oil

Iodine-131 iodized oil, also known as 131I-Lipiodol, is a radiopharmaceutical primarily used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is a combination of the radioactive isotope iodine-131 and iodized oil, which consists of iodinated ethyl esters of fatty acids derived from poppy seed oil (Lipiodol). The iodized oil component exhibits a high affinity for fatty acid-containing tissues, leading to its selective accumulation within HCC tissues due to their rich vascularity and lipophilic nature. Once localized in the tumor, the iodine-131 emits beta electrons (β-), which exert cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, delivering targeted radiation and minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Although it was previously withdrawn from some markets due to observed lung toxicity, it has since re-entered the market in regions such as India and Brazil.

Brand names

Lipiocis

Other names

131I-LipiodolI-131 LipiodolI131 LipiodolI 131 Lipiodol131I-Ethiodized Oil