Radioactive iodine treatment, commonly known as "atomic therapy," is performed following surgery for thyroid cancer. Its purpose is to eliminate remaining thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer cells located in lymph nodes or other parts of the body, making it the only treatment option available.
Radioactive Iodine Treatment in Thyroid Cancer
Radioactive iodine treatment, commonly referred to as "atomic therapy," is administered after surgery for thyroid cancer. Its goal is to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer cells in lymph nodes or other areas of the body. By eliminating the residual tissue in the thyroid bed after surgery, radioactive iodine treatment facilitates patient monitoring. Additionally, it reduces the recurrence of the disease and extends survival by revealing and treating hidden metastases.
Research has shown that when radioactive iodine treatment is appropriately selected for patients following a correctly performed surgical operation, it completely eliminates the disease in more than 95% of patients
Patients who will receive this treatment are identified immediately after surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy can be administered approximately 3-4 weeks after the surgical operation.
It is applied in differentiated thyroid cancers, specifically papillary and follicular carcinomas. The treatment is given for ablation (destruction of residual thyroid tissue that cannot be surgically removed) and therapeutic purposes for all patients with tumors larger than 1 cm in diameter. If the tumor is smaller than 1 cm, a total thyroidectomy may be sufficient; however, if there is a metastasis, capsule invasion, previous radiation to the neck area, or if the tumor type is aggressive, radioactive iodine treatment is indicated.
The treatment is applied by raising TSH hormone levels to facilitate the entry of iodine-131 into the remaining thyroid and tumor cells, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. The treatment can typically be administered 3-4 weeks after the operation. Planning for the patient's comfort after treatment to avoid prolonged hypothyroidism is important. A low-iodine diet for 10-15 days before treatment significantly enhances treatment success. The preparation stages for the treatment should be planned appropriately by a nuclear medicine physician and discussed in detail with the patient.
The radioactive iodine capsule given during treatment has no unpleasant taste or odor, and the patient does not feel anything during the treatment. Hair loss, which is common with other chemotherapy methods, is not observed, and gastrointestinal side effects are very rare in this treatment. Some methods are recommended to prevent damage to the salivary glands. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and taking daily showers help cleanse the body of radiation expelled through bodily secretions. Visitors are not permitted during treatment; patients' needs are met under the supervision of healthcare personnel.
We understand that staying alone in a room for at least three days can be extremely challenging for an individual. The system created within Anadolu Health Center and the established communication aim to minimize this difficulty.
Last Updated Date: 11 June 2015
Publication Date: 06 November 2015
Nuclear Medicine Department
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