NCIt definition : The trisodium salt form of zinc diethylene triamine pentaacetate (Zn-DTPA or pentetate
zinc) with chelating activity. Upon administration, Zn-DTPA loses the Zn ion to form
stable chelates with metal ions because DTPA has a higher affinity for heavy metal
ions than for Zn ions. Specifically, this agent is able to bind to and form strong
complexes with the radioactive plutonium, americium, and cerium after internal contamination.
The formation of these heavy metal chelates enhances radionuclide excretion.;